A Big Guy Took My Ball

Willems, M. (2013). A Big Guy Took My Ball! New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. 

The pig calls on Gerald because someone took his ball. As Gerald approached him, he realized how distraught the pig was. He was so upset because a bigger guy had taken the ball. The poor little pig felt that the big guy had taken advantage over him because of his size. Gerald started telling the pig that the big guys always have more fun than the little guys. Although Gerald was a big elephant, he then realized that a big whale had taken the ball. He quickly retreats from trying to get the ball because the whale was so big that it even made him look small. At the end the whale approaches Gerald and the pig very steadily. He complained about friends not wanting to play with him because of his size. Earlier Gerald had mentioned that the big guys always had more fun, but not according to the big blue whale. At the end all three of them play with the ball. 

This book is geared for the elementary students and its theme about stereotyping other is perfect for that age. “Never judge a book by its cover” is quite common in the elementary grades. Realistic events occur in this book a similar situations occur in the school setting.

Additional Resources: https://www.teachingbooks.net/media/pdf/DisneyHyperion/Elephant_Piggie.pdf

Recommended books: We are in a book, Can I play too?, and Should I Share My Icecream?