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Picture Books

 I'm a fan of "Big Enough," an early birthday present for my daughter. (Susie herself says she is unimpressed, and that she is waiting for the *real* present, which will be some kind of disposable Elsa trinket from Disney's "Frozen." But I notice that she listens to the story of "Big Enough.")


A little boy, Ah-Fu, lives in rural China. His parents inform him that he is "big enough" to fetch the ox from the woods and lead him back home. But the parents' anxiety seeps out: "Just be sure you don't ride on his back, because he might knock you off."

Excited and scared, Ah-Fu sets out on his mission. A bullfrog adds commentary: "Don't lead him by the horns. He might try to ram you in the butt." Birds, in a flock, share advice: "Don't push from behind. The ox might kick you."

The ox himself has thoughts. He is consumed with fears; he can't walk alone across a stream, because he needs a guiding hand. He can't be merely semi-supervised in a meadow, because he worries about tigers. The neuroses of the ox cause Ah-Fu to rise to the occasion. Soon, the task is completed.

I'm always happy to see a writer doing her own illustrations--and the pictures in "Big Enough" have been appropriately celebrated. It's also interesting to see anxiety handled in a light, non-preachy way--in a story for preschool children.

Two thumbs up.







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