 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
A Giant Crush
- By Gennifer Choldenko
- Genre: Picture Book
Common Sense Media says
Fun Valentine story stresses self-esteem, friendship.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this Valentines Day-themed book isn't just about a boy's crush on a girl, but is also about a young boy (bunny) feeling self-conscious about his appearance and getting support and encouragement from a friend. The broader themes of friendship and self-esteem give A Giant Crush life after Valentine's Day.
What's the story?
A very tall bunny, who is self-conscious about his height and his crush on a girl bunny named Cami, fears she will never be interested in him because he's a "giant." And he figures she likes Carter, because the kids on the playground are singing "Carter and Cami, sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g." Still, he secretly prepares a Valentine's Day surprise for her, and with is friend Cooper's encouragement, he finally steps up when she asks if anyone wants to play soccer at recess.
Is it any good?
This charming picture book rings true to grade-school-level romance and the politics of recess. Melissa Sweet's mixed-media illustrations show the range of emotions from playfulness and excitement to trepidation and embarrassment. And Choldenko goes beyond the obvious holiday theme to create a meaningful story of supportive friendship between two guys, and the innocent joys of puppy love. (Well, bunny love in this case.)
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what it feels like to have a crush on someone. Parents might want to tell kids about their first loves in grade school.
Families can also talk about what it's like to feel self-conscious about your appearance. Even the kids everyone else thinks are good looking probably have something they don't like about themselves -- their height, their hair, their ears ... How does Cooper help Jackson get over feeling self-conscious about being so tall?
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| Topics: | friendship, holidays |
| Author: | Gennifer Choldenko |
| Illustrator: | Melissa Sweet |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Picture Book |
| Publisher: | Putnam Juvenile |
| Publication date: | December 22, 2011 |
| Number of pages: | 320 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 5 - 9 |
| Read aloud: | 9 |
| Read alone: | 9 |
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