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** spoiler alert ** 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.