Too Big! Too Small!

 Title: Too Big! Too Small!

Picture of the cover - 

Author: Lavanya Karthik

Illustrator: Lavanya Karthik

Year: 2017

Publisher: Pratham Books

Place: India

Grade Level(s): Kindergarten-2nd grade

Genre: Picture Book

Brief Biography: Lavanya Karthik is a writer, illustrator, and filmmaker based in Bangalore, India. She has written and illustrated several children's books, including "Too Big! Too Small!" and "The Lion Who Wanted to Sing". She has also been a creative director for a children's magazine and produced short films.

Synopsis: "Too Big! Too Small!" is a charming children's book about a little girl named Shanu who is caught between being too big for her mother to carry and too small to go to school alone. The book explores the themes of growing up, independence, and the love between a mother and child. With colourful illustrations and simple text, this book is perfect for young readers who are just starting to explore the world around them.

Pre-reading:

• Ask students to predict what the book might be about based on the title and cover illustration.
• Have a class discussion about what it means to be too big or too small and whether they have ever felt that way.

During reading :

• Pause at page 4 and ask students if they have ever felt too big for someone to carry or too small to do something on their own.
• Stop at page 7 and ask students to predict what might happen next in the story.
• On page 9, have students discuss why Shanu is feeling sad and whether they have ever felt the same way.
• Pause on page 14 and ask students to predict how the story will end.

Post-reading:

• Have students write about a time when they felt too big or too small and how they overcame that feeling.
• Ask students to draw a picture of themselves feeling just right and write a sentence or two about what makes them feel that way.
• Please encourage students to think of a different ending for the story and write or draw it out.
• Have students discuss the book's message and what they learned from it.

Reflection: 

After reading "Too Big! Too Small!" by Lavanya Karthik, I was impressed with how the author tackled the complex emotions of a child caught between being too big for some things and too small for others. The story of Shanu, the young girl in the book, will resonate with many children in similar situations. The colourful illustrations also perfectly capture the innocence and wonder of childhood.

As for reading strategies, I would recommend that teachers use this book as an opportunity to teach their students about the concept of growing up and the different stages of childhood. Before reading, students can discuss their own experiences of feeling too big or too small for certain things. During reading, teachers can pause to ask questions about the story and the characters' feelings. After reading, students can reflect on what they learned and how they can relate to Shanu's experiences.

Overall, "Too Big! Too Small!" is a delightful and thought-provoking book that can be used in the classroom to teach children about emotional intelligence and self-awareness.

References:

https://storyweaver.org.in/stories/16411-too-big-too-small