Big and Small and In-Between

by Carter Higgins, Daniel Miyares (Illustrator)

You Are (Not) Small meets The Quiet Book in this beautiful compilation of all the little things that make up our big world.

This wide, wonderful world contains many things. Some things are as big as a family of bears; some are as small as a reflection in a puddle. Some things are felt rather than seen.

In between it all is . . . you. What kinds of things will you collect?

This lovely, lyrical book collects the world by size. Divided into three chapters with three specially paper-engineered separations, every page encapsulates one precious moment that perfectly represents both a size and an experience. Beloved author Carter Higgins's poignant, poetic text and Daniel Miyares's incandescent illustrations capture a whole new way of seeing the world in this beautiful, giftable meditation on what it means to be a kid-and what it means to be a human.

A GIFT FOR ALL: This book expresses a genuine love for the world in a sincere, observant way. The author's imagination and the illustrator's keen eyes make it a perfect choice for anyone seeking a gorgeous gift that celebrates the wonder of our world, whether between parents and kids, between grandparents and grandchildren, or even between friends.

SPECIAL CONCEPT: Every child learns about size, usually through nonfiction. This book makes the concept of size personal and emotional, something that changes how you feel in any given situation.

CLASSIC LITERATURE: Fans of A Hole is to Dig or A Tree is Nice will recognize the inspiration of classic literature and the timeless quality of this special text.

THOUGHT-PROVOKING IDEA: This book will change the way every kid encounters the world. Is their room smaller than their parents' or bigger than a mouse's? Is a rock a big hill for an ant or a small pebble for a bear? The mix of poetic and practical in this text makes every life experience worth investigating both from far away and with a microscope.

BELOVED AUTHOR: Carter Higgins is the author of many favorite books for kids, including the bestseller Everything You Need for a Treehouse, illustrated by Emily Hughes; Circle Under Berry, which she illustrated herself; and Audrey L and Audrey W, a chapter book series.

Perfect for:
• Fans of Ruth Krauss
• Fans of Margaret Wise Brown
• Fans of classic children's literature
• Educators looking for a new way to teach the concept of size
• Parents and grandparents

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Poetry, Nature, Art, Fiction, Kids

102 pages, Hardcover

Published April 12, 2022

About the author

Carter Higgins is the author of the middle grade novel A Rambler Steals Home (HMH) and three picture books from Chronicle Books: This Is Not a Valentine (illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins), Everything You Need for a Treehouse (illustrated by Emily Hughes), and Bikes for Sale (illustrated by Zachariah Ohora).

Her first picture book as both author and illustrator, Circle Under Berry, releases in 2021 from Chronicle Books. Also releasing in 2021 is Audrey L and Audrey W: Best Friends-ish, a chapter book illustrated by Jennifer K. Mann. Big and Small and In Between, a picture book illustrated by Daniel Miyares, releases in 2022.

She is an Emmy-winning visual effects and motion graphics artist and spent a decade as an elementary school librarian. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram @carterhiggins. She lives in Nevada.

Reviews

[Kathryn]

I think I just was not in the right mood for this so I won't give it a rating. It felt too much like a picture book for grown-ups, somehow. I don't know... I'll leave it on top of our book stack and see if the kids pick it up. They might like the fold-out pages (so delicate, though! I hope this survives more than a few months at the library!) Some of the illustrations are lovely and some of the sentiments are nice, but it just felt too self-conscious or something... but, most people loved it, so probably don't listen to me and go try it for yourself ;-) Maybe it's just that I'm realizing my boys are fast outgrowing the picture book age and I want some really kid-oriented, just-for-fun picture books that aren't going to win over a bunch of critics but will make kids smile.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't imagine many books fit all ages but Carter Higgins and Daniel Miyares have just created one, reminding us that no matter where we look in our beautiful world, there are wonders to discover. Three sections, just as the title announces, and three awesome surprise introductions for each, make a book to treasure. Everyone might draw what they can find in their own lives. They might write poems about them. Reading and seeing this book cries out for response, and sharing in a group will inspire others to think again, to add to personal lists for their own "Big and Small and In-Between". Don't forget to get a copy for yourselves, gift a copy to others, then share!

[Nell Cross Beckerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just picked up my copy of this book and I'm in full swoon. There is so much specialness to be had, from the sheer length (not sure how many pages...50?) to the thoughtful paper fold-outs, to the pacing, to the incredible illustrations. You think you are just going to see categories of "big" "small" and "in-between", and there is that aspect, but there is also a more emotional and philosophical experience that completely transported me. This is a book for everyone.

[Moonkiszt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Featured in a grandma reads session.

The title says it all with this book. . . .it's all about size. Great for those who are still concentrating on identification and comparison. The toddler population, probably.

My group was patient and their eyes chided me just a little. (we are older than this! I resolved to sort more attentively in future)

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art and origami were delightful, the actual writing didn't work for us.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes before you open a book, it is like looking at a gift-wrapped present. You know who the giver is, but you have no idea what is inside. You speculate as to the contents aloud and in your mind, knowing the truth will not be revealed until the paper is removed and the box is opened.

This is exactly how it was with Big And Small And In-Between (Chronicle Books, April 12, 2022). I knew of the considerable work of the creators Carter Higgins and Daniel Miyares. They are both authors and illustrators. In this collaboration, Carter Higgins is author and Daniel Miyares is illustrator. Having previously not read any reviews or revelatory chatter, after pausing at the opening and closing endpapers and the image before the verso and title pages, with a growing smile I turned to the first page. I gasped.

My full recommendation https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...

[Laura Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A darling picture book with marvelous paper fold outs. Children will love the lyrical text as well as the warm and sincere illustrations by Daniel Miyares. Miyares is one of my very favorite illustrators. His heart shows in everything he creates. Children can see this in every image. A must have book!

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Big things, in-between things and small things, the title says it all.
I read this twice and know that I am still missing many of the details in this picture book that could be given to and/or shared with the youngest readers (and want to be readers) who are looking for a chapter book or be used as a story starter for creative writing.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting concept book that discusses big things (like elephants and big feelings) and in-between things (like the marshmallow in a s’more) and small things (like bugs and seeds). Illustrations are terrific.

[H · Rating 4 out of 5]

While on the surface this book is meant to teach about sizes it is more. It is poetry, thoughts, and feelings with gentle pictures that invite you to ponder and stay a while before turning the page.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book by Carter Higgins. This would be a good gift book for my grand nieces and nephews.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The pictures are gorgeous.

That’s about it.

I made up my own words while reading it to the Grands. Way better than what’s on the pages. Made no sense.

[Neha Thakkar · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s beautiful but I don’t really “get” Carter’s books. Cute concept but a little too long.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really beautiful book, but I found it a bit too complicated. I spent too much time wondering why the things listed in it are categorized by the size they were, that is, what makes the thing big, small or in between. So many things in here are concepts that don't fit a specific size, so I guess this is more about the author's experience. Maybe everything in the book is big AND small AND in-between, and that's the message? I didn't have the brain power for this one. But it's beautiful looking.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the paintings, the folded papers introducing each section, and the jumble of items on each of the end papers. The illustrations enhanced the lyrical text and helped to visualize the concepts. This book would be a good jumping-off place for young listeners to decide on their own big, small, and in-between things.

[Michele Knott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the perspective on size and the comparisons Higgins makes. They aren't what you would typically expect, but each one makes you nod your head and say, "yes!"
Exquisite illustrations from Daniel Miyares.

[Peacegal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous, delicate, thoughtful, wistful. I hope the fragile little fold-out sections survive at least a few checkouts at the library.

[Maeve · Rating 2 out of 5]

A multitude of abstract ideas and feelings are organized into three categories: big, in-between, and small.

A little too abstract for me; which means I don't know who to share this with or how.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully executed, this celebration details often overlooked things that make life meaningful and joy-filled - some are big in scale, others small, and many in-between in size.

Divided into 4 parts/chapters, this picture book offers peeks at big things in life (ex. waking up to sunshine, a pile of leaves to jump in, being brave and jumping into the deep end of the swimming pool); small things (ex. a bird's egg, a raindrop, a carrot seed); middle things (ex. the dirt that helps the plant grow, a loose tooth, a half-birthday, a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis); and a vision of all three of these concepts together.

Higgins' poetic text is magical and lyric, using no punctuation and only capitalization of words for emphasis in reading. The selection of items is exactly the kinds of things that kids see - the donut you didn't get, the joy of winning an award, a deflating balloon, the light from the sun during and after sunset). There is a lightness and joy created while reading the text.

Illustrations by Daniel Miyares are similarly striking and well-matched visually to the text, reflecting the magic of the moment. Rendered in graphite, gouache, and digital collage, close examination multiple times offer new insights and revelations. Miyares makes excellent use of white space to push the eye where he wants it to land. A surprise is in store at the beginning of each chapter is an origami-like folded paper that makes touching this book remarkable.

This one bears reading over and over again, so you can revel in its quiet simplicity and wonder.

Highly Recommended for PreSchool-grade 1

[Elayne Crain · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you describe big when "big" is relative? And how do you describe "small," when small could be *everything*? These are the questions poets and picture book creators attempt to answer, and why the children's literature field overflows with people who continually make my jaw drop.

One such pair are Carter Higgins and Daniel Miyares, the creators of "Big and Small and In-Between."

How can I describe this book? Other reviewers have correctly identified A Hole is to Dig and The Quiet Book as kin, but I would add that it's more like the discussion those two books might have after viewing the Eames' Powers of Ten.

There are three "sections" of the book, and--hold the phone!--they are Big, Small, and In-Between. 😂 But these sections are...porous. These aren't paints still-in-the-tube, categorized neatly and simply--they are paints on the palette, changing a little each time they are used, informing and providing context to one another.

It's not a picture book to rush through--the pace invites contemplation. It's (darn it--here comes more jealousy) both inevitable and yet filled with childish (in the best sense of the word!) surprise and wonder. Above all, it's page-after-lovely-page of things, big and small, that evoke authentic feeling in the reader. And that's perhaps why I have one other super-weird, Elayne-ish compliment: I frequently find myself laying it atop the books I keep vertically on a small case on my desk, where it's the absolute easiest to get back out, rather than putting it *all* the way away.

And doesn't that say everything, really?

A very big round of applause, indeed, to Big and Small and In-Between.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding a book that stands the test of time, has dreamy illustrations, and is a book to keep on your shelves for a lifetime isn’t easy. But, Carter Higgins and Daniel Miyares have created just such a book. This book checks all the boxes for an excellent children’s book.

The book is divided into three sections, Big, In-Between, and Small, with an interactive feature to begin the sections. Big has a folded square to open, In-Between has a wiener dog to open out, and small has a tiny little flap to open. In each section, there are explanations of what it means to be Big, Small, or In-Between. But, not the obvious things, which is what I love about this book. It’s the bigger picture things, the worldly things, and the everyday things we might miss in our day.

The sun and its shine or a pile of leaves before you jump are the Big things. Your half-birthday or a leftover balloon losing its air are the in-between things. The plip of a raindrop or the mouse’s tea party are the small things. Kids will learn about size and placement, but in a much broader sense, that is relatable to real life.

The pencil-shaded illustrations are amazingly detailed and offer new perspectives. The illustration from inside a child’s mouth with a loose tooth was quite fascinating. I am absolutely swooning over this book and have looked through it several times because each time I feel like I missed something. If you need a reminder to appreciate the world around you, grab this book for your coffee table or child’s bookshelf. It’s sure to become a classic.

[The Silvan Reverie | Sarah Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a memorable experience reading this unique book. This is a charming and whimsical way to celebrate all the things that make life fascinating and wonderful. The book draws you in the moment you get to the first page and as soon as you finish you want to read it again. It's aimed at children ages 3-5 years old but I read it with my 6 and 8 year old and they were utterly engrossed.

The first page features a fun paper-engineered fold out to reveal that section's title and subject: Big Things. What follows is a variety of quiet and thoughtful features of what a child would see and feel as a "big thing": the sun, the donut you didn't get, the talent show, etc. It even invokes the imagination like an elephant's tea party.

The following sections each feature a different paper-engineered fold out at the beginning:
2. in-between things
3. small things
4. everything

Actually, the last section, "everything" is the conclusion and features an larger page foldout.

The construction of the book is brilliant but it's ultimately about the *experience* of reading through this, feeling the poetry of it all. The illustrations are dreamy and have nice rich tones. I love that even the text is mostly lowercase and the font is a nice choice.

Beautifully done, and I can't wait to read it again!

***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Chronicle Books. Opinions are my own.

[Carol V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big and Small and In-Between is a fantastic concept book for young children. The book examines the world of everyday, ordinary things, as well as thoughts and feelings, from the perspective of children. This book offers the reader and listener opportunity to discuss what is happening on each page or about to happen. Each part, chapter, or different concept begins with a unique paper-folding.

Part one takes a good look at big things. In part two, in-between things and concepts are examined. Part three takes a micro look at the world. And part four combines the big, small, and in-between into everything with the reader in the middle!

The story and pictures suggest action and at other times, stillness. This book offers a good discussion of day and night. Pictures and words focus on sensory play for sounds, sights, touching, tasting, and smells. Language development is outstanding – words like rise, pattern, chip, rags, bravery, floaty, talent, fuzziness, promise, wiggles and waggles, losing, oomph, droopy, swell, smushed, gooey, plip, sip, sparkler, fizzing, bittiest. An all-around wonderful book!

[Asho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a gorgeous book! F(5) picked this out at the library, and I loved it. The illustrations are beautiful. They're done in colored pencil (I think) and perfectly detailed. The text is more like a poem than a story, and it's definitely challenging for young readers. The "big", "small" and "in-between" are sometimes literal examples and sometimes metaphorical. I really loved it, but I think my 5-year-old was perplexed at times. L(8) joined us for the end of the story and she said she liked it. It has a few lift-the-flap elements which are always a hit with F, but I think there weren't as many of those as she would have liked.
Anyway, I'm giving this book 5 stars because I loved it, and I'd totally check it out from the library again or even buy a copy. F sent it right back after just one reading, though, so maybe this is more of an all-ages, family book than a kid book.

[bookishlimitless · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold on tight as you encounter pint sized plants, gargantuan snail and everything in-between because the only thing larger than the laughter it induces is the imagination that penned it. The book has collard wisdom enveloped to be open by anyone interested to try and hear am literally toying with the idea. In this literary escapade the author takes us on a joy ride to leap like a frog sustaining the life on every jump. If looking, find me under the infinite expandable blanket of knowledge pinned by creators who can count me in every corner of the world of imagination. I travelled with the author to discover the immeasurable flow of words only to find my own giggling self at the end waiting to be recalled once again. Hopefully, the sooner the better or could be now. My ratings for this book is 5 out of 5 for content and imagination.

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let's talk about what is so special about this book. The artwork is lovely. They are going into this abstract ideas and feelings and the artwork nails how to convey that sense to a child. Brilliant. The artist uses graphite, gouache and digital collage. It really shines.

This book is divided into four parts. Part 1: Big things, Part 2: IN-between things, Part 3: Small things and Part 4 is Everything. So each page reference something about big or small or in-between and they are usually bigger concepts the bravery it takes to jump into the deep end for the first time without floaties.

There is no story here really. It's impressions and examps of these four parts of life.

I'm not sure which kids will like this. Mine would not have I doubt. I goes introspective kids will love this and those into art.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book. Daniel Miyares really captured so many amazing aspects of life and nature using a plush type of illustrating. A few of my favorites are the endpaper illustrations that show the jumbled beauty of a junk drawer. It does have several fold outs and paper flaps to reinforce. It has absolutely gorgeous illustrations. It made me think of Amy Krouse Rosenthal because it's written in a style similar to some of her work. Higgins has created a series of snapshots representing key moments and feelings that we can all relate to. This would be great for sharing with kids to talk about emotions and to try to begin conversations about expressing their feelings. This is unique and fun. Adults might enjoy it more than children! It's lovely.

[Geri chesner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't say enough good things about this book. It motivates me to try finding the big and small and in-between things in my life and write about them. Would recommend this as a mentor text for writing for middle, high and adult writers.

The illustrations and endpapers make me pause and ponder the connection between the words so deeply and richly envisioned and captured so well by the author and illustrator. A couple of fold out surprises add such charm to the book. I love books like this that make me want to learn more about where the ideas came from, who the creators are and what others are saying about the book.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miyares' illustrations really make this book. It would be a great book to use for a writing prompt about setting, description, or being present with your 5 senses. First, it talks about big things, like the sun or the kids that won't share the seesaw. Then, it talks about in-between things, like a half birthday or the water cup used to rinse a paintbrush. Finally, it talks about small things, like the setting sun or a mouse's tea party. Most of the examples appear in all 3 parts, so readers can see how something change over time or from a different perspective. Higgins does outside the box thinking for her books!

[Francis S. Poesy · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this could be considered an all-ages picture book I'm not quite sure it will appeal as much to children as it does to the adults in their life. I am very open to the fact that I could be wrong. Usually I try to think how much the kid me would like a book and I'm pretty sure in this case this book would have been too quiet or 'feely' for me. I don't see that as a bad thing, just that it points to who would like the book or more likely when would be the best time to present the book. Definitely a bedtime or quiet time read.