Big Bug by Henry Cole (review)

This concept book opens with an image of a ladybug, so close up that it takes up nearly two-thirds of the double-page spread, and the words “Big bug.” The next spread shows the same bug, now much smaller atop a large green leaf as the perspective zooms out, stating “Little bug. Big leaf.” The sequence continues pulling back to dwarf each previously large-seeming object in turn, with the leaf appearing smaller next to a flower, then the flower appearing smaller next to a dog, all the way up to a “big … BIG sky,” at which point it reverses and zooms in again. There are a few glitches (the “big tree” isn’t actually bigger than the “little barn,” it’s just closer to the viewer), but generally the book is effective in accessibly demonstrating a fairly sophisticated concept; Cole’s illustrations provide child-friendly lessons in perspective and point of view, and there is plenty to discuss with young viewers. The type size helpfully shifts with the descriptions, so smaller type identifies the little elements and larger type identifies the big elements, adding further conceptual support. The acrylic and colored pencil full-bleed compositions are at their best in the intense closeups, with vividly saturated fields of color filling the space and brushstrokes adding detail and texture. The simple pastoral setting—white barn, red roof, green grass, changing sky—provides a calming backdrop for the tightly focused objective. The concept element will serve art teachers well in their instruction, while the peaceful ending makes this a fine bedtime selection.