Big Al by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Yoshi, is a heartwarming tale about acceptance, self-worth, and the desire to belong. The story follows Big Al, an enormous, somewhat intimidating fish, who desperately wants to make friends. Despite his kind heart, his appearance scares away the other fish. Throughout the story, Big Al tries various ways to disguise himself and make friends, but nothing works—until a moment of bravery changes everything.
What makes Big Al such a touching story is its universal theme of struggling to fit in despite good intentions. Readers, especially children, will easily relate to Big Al’s desire to be accepted for who he is, and his frustration at being misunderstood. The message of the story is one of self-acceptance, encouraging readers to see that true friendship comes when we show our authentic selves, not when we try to change to fit in.
The underwater setting, brought to life by Yoshi’s vibrant illustrations, creates a colorful and immersive world. The visual contrast between Big Al’s large, looming figure and the smaller, more delicate sea creatures emphasizes the difficulties he faces, adding depth to the story’s emotional weight.
What’s remarkable about this book is its simplicity paired with an impactful message. Through Big Al’s journey, children learn that kindness and bravery are what truly matter, not appearance. His moment of heroism, when he saves the smaller fish from danger, demonstrates that even the most unlikely heroes can be the ones who make a difference.
The book’s tone is both tender and uplifting, making it a perfect read-aloud story for young children. It invites discussions on friendship, empathy, and the importance of embracing differences, making it an excellent choice for classroom settings or family reading time.
Overall, Big Al is a story with a big heart, offering valuable lessons wrapped in a beautifully illustrated and emotionally resonant narrative. It’s a book that teaches the power of kindness and reminds readers that the things that make us different are often our greatest strengths.
Questions to ask while reading:
- How do you think Big Al feels when the other fish are scared of him?
- Why do you think Big Al decides to help the smaller fish?
- What does Big Al learn about friendship by the end of the story?