I’m relatively shy when you meet me in person. I never know what to say, how to hold myself, or I’m too busy worrying if this new person likes me. It’s a character trait I’m trying very hard not to pass on to my son and to do that, I have to be more open, approachable, and willing to put myself out there. Since we moved a couple of months ago, things have not been going our way and we’ve yet to really make new friends. It’s been hard on all of us, but I really try to not let it affect my charismatic little show off. A great way to help him is through books and I think that Kristi Yamaguchi words and Tim Bowers‘ art have done a wonderful job of portraying this in the new children’s picture book (available starting March 6th, 2012) It’s a Big World, Little Pig!
The story takes place after Poppy, a very determined little pig, with big dreams, has already become an ice-skating star in Dream Big, Little Pig! Now, Poppy has been invited to compete in the World Games far from her home in New Pork City! But, Poppy is a little worried, being so far from home with different people and different languages, will she be able to fit in and find any new friends? With some sound advice from her parents, grandparents, and perhaps the best advice from her best friend, Emma, “Everyone smiles in the same language,” Poppy sets out on a new adventure.
Once Poppy reaches the Athlete Village, she finds herself nervous until slowly, she makes new friends with many different animals from around the world, like Gianna, a skier from Italy and Zoe, a speed skater from Australia. Although they speak different languages, they all are there for the same reason and each helps another to feel more relaxed about being far from home.
This is the perfect book for any child about to embark on a new and different escapade in their life, such as school or moving or even starting on a new club, like girl scouts or hockey! It’s written in simple terms, without being condescending to help younger children understand that changes are okay, will happen, but that doesn’t mean we let them take the fun out of life! My favorite part is how supportive her family is. That no matter the outcome, Poppy’s family is proud of her just for following her dreams.
Now, we all know at least two languages, a smile is the same no matter where you’re from! This confidence will help your little one dream big!
A portion of proceeds from the sale of It’s a Big World, Little Pig! will go to the Always Dream Foundation
Connect
You can connect with Kristi Yamaguchi on her Facebook Page and Tim Bowers on his Website
Buy It
You can pre-order It’s a Big World, Little Pig! from the publisher Sourcebooks for $16.99 or from Amazon at pre-order price of $10.97
