It’s no surprise to anyone who has been reading my blog for a while that I LOVE books. I always have one with me, and piles of others waiting in the wings. I especially love books that promote confident characters in ALL types of bodies. There are SO MANY fantastic books being written that celebrate people who live in bigger bodies and reject the toxic messages of diet culture. (I have a list of my favorites in a previous blog.)
The latest release from my favorite fat-positive author, Julie Murphy, dives into new territory. Chubby Bunny brings Murphy’s message of self-love and inclusivity to young children in the form of a picture book. As soon as I saw that the book had been released, I made my way to Barnes and Noble to read it in the cafe while sipping a chai latte.
The book tells the story of a sweet, funny young girl named Bunny, who comes from a long line of Barbaras. Bunny is quite confident in herself, until one day a school activity goes horribly wrong, giving the bullies in her class the fuel they need to treat her unkindly. I was really able to identify with the story, both from Bunny’s perspective… and the poor teacher who didn’t know the problem they caused by having the students play a game. Fortunately, Bunny is able to rise above and be confident again in the end. The book is a great way to teach students about body diversity and kindness, though I feel the conflict is a bit too simplistic and easily solved. Keep in mind, I am not a children’s lit expert. I’m sure young readers will enjoy the story.
However, while I was perusing the shelf for Murphy’s book, another book lept off the shelf, calling me to read it. Big, by Vashti Harrison, is a beautifully illustrated picture book about a young girl’s journey of self-love and empowerment. With just the words in the dust jacket, I was struck to my very core by this book.
Once there was a girl… She had a big laugh, and a big heart, and very big dreams… and it was good, until it wasn’t.
As I turned each page of this story, my throat closed up and my eyes stung, until tears rolled down my cheeks and onto the pages of the book. A few people stared as I sat alone, sniffling, reading a children’s book.
The story of Big is simple, but incredibly, overwhelmingly powerful. In fact, there are very few words at all in the story. The book’s soft, beautiful illustrations connect the reader to the heart of a girl who has been told over and over she was not good enough. Instead of laughing off the words that hurt her, she grows strong and strips the words of their power, till she is able to see only positive attributes in herself.
As I made my way to the checkout counter, Big found its way into my purchase. I am a grown woman, but this book spoke to me so deeply that I felt I needed it. On days when I feel too big and invisible all at once, I will sit down alone with a cup of tea and use this book to remind myself who I really am.
Forty Fat and Fabulous 