Hewitt Anderson's Great Big Life

January 24, 2005
As far as the J. Carver Worthington Andersons, descendants of giants, were concerned, "big things were best!
" But when their son Hewitt is born normal human size, the Andersons learn to shift their perspective, in this feel-good tall tale from the creators of Big Jabe
. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson can't quite understand why Hewitt doesn't measure up, size-wise, but "they adored their puny, frail, delicate bundle of joy" and spent long hours worrying about him and helping him to have "a big life with big things in it!" Hewitt loves curling up in the palm of his father's hand and riding on the brim of his mother's bonnet. And best of all, the fellow's size is a bonus in several instances when he is able to save his parents from trouble. Gradually, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson come to understand that "Hewitt was perfect just as he was." Nolan revels in using descriptive and often rollicking turns of phrase to establish her larger-than-life scenes and characters. But as always, she infuses the proceedings with a warmth and lighthearted humor that makes her tale universally appealing. Nelson's depictions of the dark-skinned mountain-like Mr. and Mrs. Anderson and their comparatively tiny boy provide a strong yet fanciful backdrop for the tale. His supersaturated oil paintings feature a playful approach to size, scale and perspective that will instantly hook young readers. Ages 5-8.

May 1, 2005
K-Gr 3 -Hewitt Anderson is a normal-sized boy born into a family of giants who firmly believe that bigger is better. At the age of seven, their son is so tiny that his anxious parents consult doctors and specialists from all over the world. When none of them can explain "the circumstances surrounding Hewitt's small and unimposing stature," the loving parents formulate some lessons in survival for the boy. However, it is the little guy himself who ends up helping them survive the lessons. They are constantly amazed at Hewitt's resourcefulness and talents and finally realize that rather than worrying so much about his size, they should recognize that he is perfect just the way he is -something that the youngster already knows. Nelson's funny, larger-than-life oil paintings warmly depict this African-American family and give readers a real sense of gigantic proportions. They are visions of contrasts in size. On one page Hewitt stands on the mantle looking at family photographs. He is half the size of the smallest frame. In other pictures, he is curled up fast asleep in the center of his father's hand, or riding on the brim of his mother's bonnet. Told in colorful language that begs to be read aloud, this humorous, oversize book offers a gentle look at accepting others as they are. -"Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH"

Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.