Never Ever Before

Stephen Michael King (author/illus)

Scholastic Press, Australia: 2009

ISBN: 9781741694666

Genre: picture book

Contains extension concepts

‘In the drifting, swirling land of small...Big was born.'

This remarkable book with its abstract pictures and subtle subtext will delight gifted youngsters.

While appearing to illustrate the basic concepts of ‘big', ‘small' and ‘tall', Never Ever Before actually explores the pain of being different. While Big longs to fly on the wind the way the others in the land of Small can, his size keeps him anchored to the ground. When the Talls start to grow, he realises he can offer them stability and comfort, and they can lift him a little way off the ground - but he still can't fly as the Smalls can. It is not until an unusually strong wind threatens their world that all three groups realise that by working together they can achieve amazing things.

Very much an allegorical tale about the need for each of us to discover and accept our talents and limitations, as well as those of others, this is a powerful and empowering story for readers of all ages. Highly recommended, especially for use with anti-bullying programmes.