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Mr Big
Mr Big is strong, Mr Big is tough, Mr Big is . . . well . . . BIG! He has just one small problem - because of the way he looks he just can't get people to stick around. How can he show them that although he may look a little scary, he is just a great big softy inside? With his trademark bold colour and masterful graphic simplicity, Ed Vere sensitively and humorously tackles the universal and current subject of inclusion, reminding the reader that to get to know someone you need to look beyond their exterior. This is the third picture book from an exciting new talent, whose previous titles The Getaway and Banana have received great critical acclaim.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
5 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Ed Vere
41Ìýbooks71ÌýfollowersEd Vere is a British writer and illustrator of children's books. He won the Highland Children's Book Award in 2007 for his book, The Getaway and was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal for children's book illustration, recognizing his 2008 picture book Banana.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
July 4, 2013
This book was initially unknown to me, but is a favorite of my very fussy four year old nephew, so I decided to give it a go. The book itself is aimed at early years readers and this is reflected in the simplistic and minimal text, however the book is engaging and in my view appealing due to the large, vivid illustrations and comical but meaningful plot.
The story is about what appears to be a monkey (though it is not made explicit) named Mr. Big, who due to his size, is assumed by others to be scary. This results in Mr. Big feeling lonely and isolated which ultimately leads him to take up piano playing which he is very talented at. Upon hearing the music across the city, everyone begins to wander who can possibly be playing such beautiful music. Once it is revealed to the others that it is in fact the 'scary' Mr.Big, their perceptions of him change and the story ends with Mr. Big not at all lonely, but instead happy and surrounded with friends.
The message of the book is clear, essentially do not judge a book by its cover, and this story livens up the teaching of the age old message. The book is written throughout with short, snappy sentences therefore engaging young readers and the illustrations also feature speech bubbles by other characters which add to the story. This is good for class reading as pupils can take it in turns to read the dialogue of their favorite characters. Overall, the book provides a useful supplement to teaching on many PSHE related issues such as friendship, diversity, bullying and feelings of being left out.
The story is about what appears to be a monkey (though it is not made explicit) named Mr. Big, who due to his size, is assumed by others to be scary. This results in Mr. Big feeling lonely and isolated which ultimately leads him to take up piano playing which he is very talented at. Upon hearing the music across the city, everyone begins to wander who can possibly be playing such beautiful music. Once it is revealed to the others that it is in fact the 'scary' Mr.Big, their perceptions of him change and the story ends with Mr. Big not at all lonely, but instead happy and surrounded with friends.
The message of the book is clear, essentially do not judge a book by its cover, and this story livens up the teaching of the age old message. The book is written throughout with short, snappy sentences therefore engaging young readers and the illustrations also feature speech bubbles by other characters which add to the story. This is good for class reading as pupils can take it in turns to read the dialogue of their favorite characters. Overall, the book provides a useful supplement to teaching on many PSHE related issues such as friendship, diversity, bullying and feelings of being left out.
September 27, 2011
This book is fantastic as it really teaches young children not to judge someone by their looks. I really loved reading this book as it is a great story about a huge gorilla that is made to feel really small on the inside.
Nobody liked the look of Mr Big, they would get off the bus that he was on, he went to the cafe and everyone would leave. Things changed for Mr Big in the end and he was not as lonely as he used to be as he had something to share with the world.
Ed Vere did a fantastic job with the words as he made the text size larger or smaller for words he really wanted to emphasise. The illustrations are wonderful and bold which really make the story follow through.
This is an awesome book with a lot of hidden messages for the younger generation; it teaches you that others have feelings, not to exclude anyone and not to judge them by their looks. Everyone is special in their own way!!!
Nobody liked the look of Mr Big, they would get off the bus that he was on, he went to the cafe and everyone would leave. Things changed for Mr Big in the end and he was not as lonely as he used to be as he had something to share with the world.
Ed Vere did a fantastic job with the words as he made the text size larger or smaller for words he really wanted to emphasise. The illustrations are wonderful and bold which really make the story follow through.
This is an awesome book with a lot of hidden messages for the younger generation; it teaches you that others have feelings, not to exclude anyone and not to judge them by their looks. Everyone is special in their own way!!!
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March 16, 2018This Book basically teaches very young kids not to judge people by how they appear. More books like this pls! You know I used to want to become an author of a YA book but now I think if you mange to write a book like this that teaches a lesson to small human beings then dude you've reached success.
September 20, 2016
This book was the 'go-to' book during storytime at my previous work place.
All the children loved it - nearly as much as me!
Lovely story, with brilliant artwork.
All the children loved it - nearly as much as me!
Lovely story, with brilliant artwork.
December 3, 2020
Lovely book about friendship and diversity. Can be used along music.
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October 16, 2011Mr Big by Ed Vere
This story is based on Mr big who is bigger in size compared to everyone else. Even though he is big everywhere he goes everyone runs away from him as they see someone big and scary, therefore Mr big inside felt very small and lonely from inside. One day Mr big was walking past a shop and noticed a piano in the window, he felt it looked all alone just like him so he decided to buy it and take it home. Mr Big began to play the piano thinking of all the things that made him sad, he played and played. Everyone in the neighbourhood could hear the beautiful music and wondered where it was coming from; people came from all over town every night to listen to the beautiful music. However Mr big was still alone and sad, until one morning when he received his first ever letter to the pianist. The letter read thank you for your beautiful music, everyone has been listening to your music and who are you? Leading to an invitation to come and join their band at the blue note. The story went on as Mr big joined the band and everyone had a great time and at last everyone could see the real Mr big ending with Mr big having loads of fans and having no time to be alone which is just the way he likes it.
The moral of the story is “a true friend can come in any shape or size�. This was a great story that I enjoyed reading it and felt the feelings how Mr big encountered through the illustrations and pictures. This story enables children to learn about feelings such as sad and happy and the importance of friendship. This story can be linked to cross-curricular subjects such as PSHE learning about friendships, feelings and music such as creating music with feelings and emotions such as what Mr Big did.
I think this was a very good touching story with a happy ending. The story could be read for children aged 3-7 years.
This story is based on Mr big who is bigger in size compared to everyone else. Even though he is big everywhere he goes everyone runs away from him as they see someone big and scary, therefore Mr big inside felt very small and lonely from inside. One day Mr big was walking past a shop and noticed a piano in the window, he felt it looked all alone just like him so he decided to buy it and take it home. Mr Big began to play the piano thinking of all the things that made him sad, he played and played. Everyone in the neighbourhood could hear the beautiful music and wondered where it was coming from; people came from all over town every night to listen to the beautiful music. However Mr big was still alone and sad, until one morning when he received his first ever letter to the pianist. The letter read thank you for your beautiful music, everyone has been listening to your music and who are you? Leading to an invitation to come and join their band at the blue note. The story went on as Mr big joined the band and everyone had a great time and at last everyone could see the real Mr big ending with Mr big having loads of fans and having no time to be alone which is just the way he likes it.
The moral of the story is “a true friend can come in any shape or size�. This was a great story that I enjoyed reading it and felt the feelings how Mr big encountered through the illustrations and pictures. This story enables children to learn about feelings such as sad and happy and the importance of friendship. This story can be linked to cross-curricular subjects such as PSHE learning about friendships, feelings and music such as creating music with feelings and emotions such as what Mr Big did.
I think this was a very good touching story with a happy ending. The story could be read for children aged 3-7 years.
September 6, 2012
This story introduces us to poor Mr Big, who has a bit of problem - he is so much bigger than everyone else. Why is this a problem you may wonder? Well, everywhere he goes; the cafe, the swimming pool, the bus; everybody else leaves. They all think he is big and scary but in truth he is actually very sad and lonely. One day he spots a piano in a shop window, "It looked all alone. Just like him." After taking the piano home, he sat, lonely and sad, at the window, and played to his heart's content. Every night he continued to play this beautiful music and people came from all over to listen, wondering who the mystery pianist was. Then something wonderful happens, Mr Big received his first letter inviting him to join a band, from 'a friend'. Mr Big does join the band and nobody wants to leave the room he is in anymore, in fact, to his pleasure, he never gets much time alone from that moment on!!
This book is beautifully written using short, sharp and punchy sentences which make reading this aloud or to yourself a delight. Even the typography is clever, increasing the size on certain words to indicate where more emphasis should be placed, which is great for younger readers. The illustrations complement this perfectly with Ed Vere's bold and vivid style. Children will particularly enjoy the witty and light-hearted speech bubbles that appear from the characters on several of the pages.
This book is fantastic for KS1 classes as it touches on subjects of friendship, feelings and diversity but in a very light and digestible way. It could be great to use in PSHE related classes to discuss how we should not judge each other on appearances and teach that being big or different is not scary or negative.
This book is beautifully written using short, sharp and punchy sentences which make reading this aloud or to yourself a delight. Even the typography is clever, increasing the size on certain words to indicate where more emphasis should be placed, which is great for younger readers. The illustrations complement this perfectly with Ed Vere's bold and vivid style. Children will particularly enjoy the witty and light-hearted speech bubbles that appear from the characters on several of the pages.
This book is fantastic for KS1 classes as it touches on subjects of friendship, feelings and diversity but in a very light and digestible way. It could be great to use in PSHE related classes to discuss how we should not judge each other on appearances and teach that being big or different is not scary or negative.
December 17, 2012
Mr. Big is the story of a lonely gorilla who is judged by his appearance. He does not have any friends because his size intimidates the other characters in the story. Mr. Big is avoided wherever he goes. He buys a piano and expresses his loneliness through his music. Happily, his music draws people from all over town who want to know who is playing such beautiful music. At the conclusion of the story Mr. Big has become a popular musician and is no longer lonely.
This book was used in my Reception class during anti-bullying month. Most children’s books dealing with bullies that I have read address overt bullying. I thought Mr. Big demonstrated how making judgments about others can be just as hurtful in a very effective way. It deals with what is potentially quite a complex concept in a very simple way and its illustrations are attractive and stylish.
Mr. Big would be a good text to use in either EYFS or Key Stage 1 as the basis of a discussion about friendship and bullying. For EYFS children it could also be used as a literacy text. In addition to its message about bullying, it could help build children’s vocabulary. For example, my class were introduced to the instruments used by the members of Mr Big’s band. The children also participated in a number of activities based around the text such as role playing, performing in a band and sequencing the events of the story.
This book was used in my Reception class during anti-bullying month. Most children’s books dealing with bullies that I have read address overt bullying. I thought Mr. Big demonstrated how making judgments about others can be just as hurtful in a very effective way. It deals with what is potentially quite a complex concept in a very simple way and its illustrations are attractive and stylish.
Mr. Big would be a good text to use in either EYFS or Key Stage 1 as the basis of a discussion about friendship and bullying. For EYFS children it could also be used as a literacy text. In addition to its message about bullying, it could help build children’s vocabulary. For example, my class were introduced to the instruments used by the members of Mr Big’s band. The children also participated in a number of activities based around the text such as role playing, performing in a band and sequencing the events of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2012
This story is about Mr Big who is different from everyone else - he is really BIG. This makes others scared of him and stay away from him. Mr Big is sad and lonely and buys himself a piano to play to deal with this sadness. All the people over town hear how beautifully he plays and one day, an invitation comes through the post for him. Mr Big has been invited to play the piano with a band and when everyone gets to see that Mr Big is not scary like they thought, Mr Big is now liked and has lots of friends.
A great book and enjoyable read for children aged 3-7. All children may feel left out at times and this would be a great book to begin a circle time with to talk about how it makes children feel and how they can be a good friend to children who are for example, in the playground playing alone. The book could also be used as an introduction to talking about difference and celebrating diversity.
A great book and enjoyable read for children aged 3-7. All children may feel left out at times and this would be a great book to begin a circle time with to talk about how it makes children feel and how they can be a good friend to children who are for example, in the playground playing alone. The book could also be used as an introduction to talking about difference and celebrating diversity.
December 4, 2013
It is difficult sometimes, to write a review of a book you are such a fan of with a sense of objectivity. In fact, it is possible that by opening with sentences such as these that my bias is irreversible, but I digress...
Mr Big tells the story of a lonely gorilla who's days are lived out in fear of ridicule, prejudice and abandonment. Until, one day, he spies an outcast piano and decides to take it home. The book has themes of tolerance and joy that any child of either end of the popularity spectrum can value.
Vere's big book has some great illustrations that lend themselves to wide discussion and could easily be used as a class topic, particularly with PSED within the EYFS. At home the big friendly drawings are something that can genuinely be enjoyed by both adults and children. I think Ed's made a keeper.
Ed has a number of titles that I haven't yet seen, but I'm off now to hunt them down.
Mr Big tells the story of a lonely gorilla who's days are lived out in fear of ridicule, prejudice and abandonment. Until, one day, he spies an outcast piano and decides to take it home. The book has themes of tolerance and joy that any child of either end of the popularity spectrum can value.
Vere's big book has some great illustrations that lend themselves to wide discussion and could easily be used as a class topic, particularly with PSED within the EYFS. At home the big friendly drawings are something that can genuinely be enjoyed by both adults and children. I think Ed's made a keeper.
Ed has a number of titles that I haven't yet seen, but I'm off now to hunt them down.
September 23, 2012
Mr. Big is a huge gorilla, who everyone runs away from as they see him as 'big and scary' because of his size. This makes him feel very lonely and sad.
One day he sees a lonely piano in a shop and buys it to cheer himself up. He then plays beautiful music which everyone in the neighborhood hears and wonders where it coming from. Eventually they track down Mr. Big and send him a letter inviting him to join a band. Mr. Big joins the band, and then everyone can see the real Mr. Big. He makes lots new friends and has no time to be lonely ever again.
This has a lovely message about friendship, and joining in, and can speak to children in the younger years about making friends and ensuring that other children don't feel left out. It would be a nice book for circle time.
This book has a 'groovy look and feel�, which parents and teachers will appreciate as well.
One day he sees a lonely piano in a shop and buys it to cheer himself up. He then plays beautiful music which everyone in the neighborhood hears and wonders where it coming from. Eventually they track down Mr. Big and send him a letter inviting him to join a band. Mr. Big joins the band, and then everyone can see the real Mr. Big. He makes lots new friends and has no time to be lonely ever again.
This has a lovely message about friendship, and joining in, and can speak to children in the younger years about making friends and ensuring that other children don't feel left out. It would be a nice book for circle time.
This book has a 'groovy look and feel�, which parents and teachers will appreciate as well.
November 23, 2012
Mr Big looks different from everyone else, he is so big and scary looking that everyone avoids him. He sees a piano in a shop, looking as alone as he feels, and begins to play music. As Mr Big plays the piano, the notes flow into the busy city and everyone starts to wonder who this amazing musician is that they would all like to meet. Mr Big is invited to join a band and his life is transformed.
The book was used in school as part of anti-bullying week. Mr Big was read to children in KS2 and they all had to do an Advanced Reader test on it. All with the aim of stopping bullying in school. All the children understood and could relate to the message in the book.
The book was used in school as part of anti-bullying week. Mr Big was read to children in KS2 and they all had to do an Advanced Reader test on it. All with the aim of stopping bullying in school. All the children understood and could relate to the message in the book.
October 11, 2017
I love the illustrations in this book. They are bright and colourful. The author plays around with text. The story is about loneliness of Mr Big, the gorilla, and how ultimately he finds friends through playing music.
September 11, 2019
A story about first impressions. Has an emotive message and allows children to explore the feeling of empathy. Suited for year one onwards in my opinion. Middle school children may wish to read this unaided.
December 23, 2019
A nice story about acceptance.
January 3, 2021
I didn't really like this one at all. Reminded me a lot of Herman and Rosie, which I didn't particularly care for either. I think kids books about lonely jazz musicians are just not my milieu. I found the jazz-y language kind of cringy and the overall message a bit predictable I guess. Like no-one sees the real him, but then it turns out he's talented and they accept that he is large because he's got talent. I guess books like this always make me feel like, what if you are just someone who's body takes a form that is not culturally "acceptable" but you are NOT also very talented...don't you still have worth? Might be getting a bit too in my head, but I was annoyed because I purchased this book since it wasn't available in the library and ended up being like...meh.
April 23, 2018
A story about Mr Big, who felt lonely all the time because he is different (so big) from the others, and every one was scared to get to know him. But actually Mr Big is a great pianist, and once his music got to the others, people rushed to get to know more about him.
A nice story to educate kids about how we should not judge a person from his/her appearance; and even if you appear to be different from the others, there is still something inside you that will make you shine and attract the others.
A nice story to educate kids about how we should not judge a person from his/her appearance; and even if you appear to be different from the others, there is still something inside you that will make you shine and attract the others.
September 23, 2019
This is a wonderful book with many little hidden messages that teaches children some great lessons! It teaches readers to not judge a person by their looks, and that others have feelings. But it does end very well for Mr Big when they see him for who he really is, and also how talented he is.
Ed Vere did a great job with the writing in the book, by contrasting large and small text size, he can create emphasis when he wants to, and also display Mr Big’s feeling of being small with small text size. The illustrations also really help the story flow.
Ed Vere did a great job with the writing in the book, by contrasting large and small text size, he can create emphasis when he wants to, and also display Mr Big’s feeling of being small with small text size. The illustrations also really help the story flow.
September 14, 2018
This is such a great book to discuss themes of fitting in, being different, and everybody having their own talents which make them unique and special. It also links well to Music, as Mr Big finds solace in playing the piano when he feels sad and lonely. We used this book last year with Year 2 Around ‘International Music Day� - the children wrote letters to Mr Big and we made a giant collage of him!
August 12, 2019
Aww what a brilliant story! This book firstly caught my eye because of its massive size and seems very appealing for children with fun, eye catching illustrations and colour. This story had a simple message to it. How it doesn't matter what you look like, your exterior characteristics- its about what's inside that counts and in order to get to know someone and their interests and qualities we have to go past their outer shell and don't judge before we know what that person is really all about!
September 21, 2019
I like how the celebrity told the story and they showed the pictures of the story at the same time as it teaches that children don't necessarily need to read books all the time to experience a story. This book could teach children about different proportions especially in maths. It could also be used in PSHE to teach about friendships, or music when Mr Big plays the piano.
Children's book (a celebrity reading it from CBeebies).
Children's book (a celebrity reading it from CBeebies).
September 19, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book, the illustrator had used their imagination with the pictures and would be engaging for children. The book would allow for discussion about feelings and emotions. It wasn't until finishing reading this story that I thought about the meaning behind this book. The book left me thinking that just because you're good at something you're going to automatically have lots of friends. It left me questioning, where were all his friends when he wasn't good at anything.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2023
Colourful and illustrative pages. Defines body size and eventual friendship. Allows the reader to understand that regardless of what people look like, you need to get to know them to really understand them. A story of loneliness, sadness leading to friendship and inclusion. Mr. Big is a talented pianist and is only recognised when his music is heard and an anonymous letter invites him to join a band from which he develops great friendship and inclusion in society.
December 5, 2017
Summary: Poor Mr. Big is just that, big, in size and heart. But his appearance makes people afraid of him. My big must find a way to get people to stay.
Personal Response: This book made my heart ache a little. I think it's important for everyone, especially at a young age, to learn not to judge a book by its cover and that's exactly what this book teaches.
July 23, 2019
I love the simplicity of this book - its illustrations are bold and eye catching, the text is easy to read. The message in the story itself is important for all ages - not to judge someone based on their outward appearance. More than teaching that however, it shows the effect of this judgement from Mr Bigs point of view which I believe makes the message much more powerful.
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September 4, 2019I liked the bright colours in this book which is very engaging for young children. It deals with different emotions such as loneliness and is a good story to explain to children that we all have our own skills and qualities, celebrating everyone as an individual. The pages are displayed with small and large font which links to the emotions of feeling lonely/Happy.
August 4, 2020
Loved this book.
Bold & colourful illustrations.
A story about being shunned for being different but when able to showcase talents people were impressed. His skills make him popular. Shame he couldnt be accepted straight off tho.
A story about the importance of being able to see beyond 'the cover'. Dont judge.
Its what is on the inside that counts.
Bold & colourful illustrations.
A story about being shunned for being different but when able to showcase talents people were impressed. His skills make him popular. Shame he couldnt be accepted straight off tho.
A story about the importance of being able to see beyond 'the cover'. Dont judge.
Its what is on the inside that counts.
September 11, 2020
* Loved this!
* Not judging someone by their looks- finding out who they really are.
* Inclusivity
* The benefits of music: inclusivity, making friends, improving self-esteem, a way of expressing emotions, the joy music can bring.
* Could encourage children to want to play the piano/an instrument themselves.
* Not judging someone by their looks- finding out who they really are.
* Inclusivity
* The benefits of music: inclusivity, making friends, improving self-esteem, a way of expressing emotions, the joy music can bring.
* Could encourage children to want to play the piano/an instrument themselves.
August 31, 2021
A lovely story about a physically BIG character who is feared by the other characters due to his large size. He experiences rejection, loneliness, sadness and misunderstanding in the story. He uses his feelings to help him play the piano beautifully, and with this he makes some friends. A very colourful picture book to share with young children.
June 15, 2018
This story is about a big gorilla named Mr. Big. He is a sweetheart on the inside but no on would ever guess. This story is a classic tale of not judging a book by its cover. The cover and pictures are colorful and fun, this is something students would be drawn to.
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