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Big Problems, Little Problems

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Big Problems, Little Problems is the story of how a dad teaches his son to solve the daily challenges of life – and, in turn, the surprising ways in which a child can teach a grown-up to remember what is important, too. We invite you into this charming picture book about a single dad (a rarity in the picture book world) and his little boy, who turns out to be very wise. From their secret handshake to their mutual problem-solving, this father and son have winning ways. Written with lessons that apply to any family with young children, the book is distinctively told from a father's perspective, and built on how a son and dad listen to and learn from each other. This is a tale of how to conquer frustration no matter what the problem. color throughout

32 pages, Hardcover

Published May 31, 2022

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Ben Feller

1 book

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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Rosh (is busy; will catch up soon!).
1,774 reviews2,631 followers
February 19, 2022
A sweet book that talks of several important “problems” in a very practical way. What makes it extra special is that the story comes to us from the interactions of a father and his son – a rare combination in the world of picture books.

Sam and his Dad are the only two characters in this story. Sam gets flustered at a couple of things such as not being able to zip up his jacket or not finding his favourite cape. Dad helps him deal with those problems by teaching him the value of approaching the problem with the right perspective? Is the problem really that big? Can it be solved? Can there be an alternate solution than the one we want? On a day when Dad feels frustrated, it is little Sam who reminds him to have patience and handle the problem calmly.

I simply loved the relationship shared by Sam and his Dad. They listen to each other, they talk to each other, they have a secret father-son handshake, they don’t shy away from hugging each other. It is so soothing to see a father-son bond being depicted in a perfectly normal way, just the two of them with no justifications about why mum isn’t part of the story. Picture books often tend to focus on only the mother when it comes to parental interactions. This book is a welcome break and goes to show how hands-on even dads can be.

The illustrations, while not typical in style, have their own distinct appeal, which grows on you as you progress through the book. What I most loved about the sketches is that frustration and other negative feelings are depicted as tangled threads surrounding the character, and there’s always one end of this string near the character’s hand, waiting for them to calm down and unravel the problem. It’s a subtle but brilliant way of showing how the resolution to supposedly big problems is always near us, if only we take the time to look.

The title is perfect for the book!

Special shoutout to the author’s photo with his own son on the back page. They look like the perfect human versions of Sam and his Dad. This is his very first book, and I hope he writes more such beautiful stories for children.

Definitely and heartily recommended to little readers and big readers with little readers in their family/school/library.


My thanks to Tilbury House Publishers (W.W. Norton) and Edelweiss+ for the ARC of “Big Problems, Little Problems”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.





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956 reviews15 followers
May 8, 2022
This picture book demonstrates that there are ranges of types of problems and that with support of an adult, children can address large problems and can begin to address smaller problems with increasing independence by determining how big a problem is. As the father tries to get his child ready and out the door one morning, many problems occur. After working together to solve the problems and determining that they are really not that big of problems, the child ends up teaching his father that a problem is not so big after all. It is a very sweet book and a great opportunity for parents and teachers of young children to discuss problems and how to solve them. I would recommend this book for parents and teachers of children in the age 4-8 range. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this great book!
Profile Image for Sarah BT.
723 reviews44 followers
October 15, 2022
This would be a good addition for social emotional learning, but it wasn't a huge standout for me. It's good and I like the modeled behavior of asking "is this a big problem or a little problem" but the overall story wasn't incredibly engaging. It would be fine to use, just isn't one of my go-to picks.
Profile Image for Jithendra Jithu.
1,251 reviews38 followers
May 22, 2023
Big Problems, Little Problems

By

Ben Feller

Rating:5/5

Description:

Big Problems, Little Problems is the story of how a dad teaches his son to solve the daily challenges of life – and, in turn, the surprising ways in which a child can teach a grown-up to remember what is important, too.

We invite you into this charming picture book about a single dad (a rarity in the picture book world) and his little boy, who turns out to be very wise. From their secret handshake to their mutual problem-solving, this father and son have winning ways.

Written with lessons that apply to any family with young children, the book is distinctively told from a father's perspective, and built on how a son and dad listen to and learn from each other. This is a tale of how to conquer frustration no matter what the problem.

color throughout

Review:

👉Talking about the title of the book, the title of the book is really so interesting to read.

👉The cover is appealing and attractive as well. The writing style is awesome. The book offers a unique perspective on the human experience, with stories that are both relatable and thought-provoking. The book is divided into two parts: "Big Problems" and "Little Problems." In the first part, Feller tells stories of people facing major life challenges, such as illness, loss, and personal tragedy. These stories are poignant and moving, and Feller's compassionate writing style draws readers in and makes them feel connected to the characters.In the second part, Feller explores the small, everyday challenges that we all face, from navigating social situations to dealing with annoying coworkers. These stories are often humorous and light-hearted, but they still manage to offer insights into the human experience and the ways in which we all struggle and grow.

For complete read do order this book on @amazondotcom

For book link:

https://www.amazon.com/Big-Problems-L...

Wow! What a book! I am in love with the book

👉I just loved reading the book ...

Happy reading!..
358 reviews18 followers
May 13, 2023
📚Big Problems Little Problems📚

"Big Problems Little Problems" is a heartwarming and insightful collection of short stories that explores the challenges and triumphs of everyday life. Written by Ben Feller, a former White House correspondent and award-winning journalist, the book offers a unique perspective on the human experience, with stories that are both relatable and thought-provoking.

The book is divided into two parts: "Big Problems" and "Little Problems." In the first part, Feller tells stories of people facing major life challenges, such as illness, loss, and personal tragedy. These stories are poignant and moving, and Feller's compassionate writing style draws readers in and makes them feel connected to the characters.

In the second part, Feller explores the small, everyday challenges that we all face, from navigating social situations to dealing with annoying coworkers. These stories are often humorous and light-hearted, but they still manage to offer insights into the human experience and the ways in which we all struggle and grow.

Feller's writing is engaging and accessible, with a style that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. He has a talent for capturing the essence of a character or situation in just a few words, and his stories are both concise and powerful.

One potential downside of the book is that some readers may find it too simplistic or predictable. However, this is a minor quibble given the book's overall value and the quality of Feller's writing.

Overall, "Big Problems Little Problems" is a delightful and inspiring collection of stories that will resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. Feller's writing is both entertaining and insightful, and his stories offer valuable lessons about the challenges and joys of the human experience.
Profile Image for Unleash The Knowledge.
141 reviews17 followers
October 4, 2023
This is a children's book that can teach adults AND kids!

Normally I am not one to read a children's book but I had to when I saw this one!

The impactful benefits adults can gain from this book are just as much as how it can help kids.

Ben Feller, is the former Chief White House Correspondent for The Associated Press turned language firm partner turned children’s book author.

He has a wealth of experience and knowledge from reporting groundbreaking news to interviewing President Bush and Obama, several times.

However, when he decided to write his first book he chose a topic close to home, quite literally.

His book: Big Problems, Little Problems takes you on the journey of how he taught his son the difference between these two different levels of problems.

Only to find out his son went ahead and taught him the same when chaos rolled through his house.

This book is beautifully illustrated and very impactful for any parent with young kids.

I am constantly reminded of how amazing it is for young people to teach us adults.

Take the ride with Ben, a single father, and his little boy, Sam, as they navigate life’s big and small problems in the house.

You will come to learn the lessons laid out in this book can help you conquer life’s problems at work, at home, and during your everyday lives.

Consider grabbing this book! Especially if you have young kids.
Profile Image for MookNana.
847 reviews7 followers
May 26, 2022
3.5 stars. This has an overall valuable message and was a good idea, but there are a couple concerns about how it was executed that give me pause. The ability to see things in perspective and differentiate between a big problem and a small problem are valuable skills, but the book didn't really go into how to distinguish one from the other or why they are different. As a result, it felt a bit invalidating, as if the young boy was expected to label his problems as small because that's how his dad saw them.

Also, while the idea that kids can offer adults perspective and insights is great, they way it happened in the book was so unrealistic as to jar me completely out of the story. The young boy would not have been able to assess his Dad's situation, come up with multiple solutions, and then communicate them like that. He was literally just struggling with the word "frustrated". I get what the author was trying to do, but unfortunately it didn't quite come out right.

That said, the art in the book is vivid and lively and the relationship between the boy and his dad was very sweet. This might be worth a try, but I would encourage an adult reading partner to really expand on the idea of what makes a problem "big" or "small".

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
Profile Image for Barbara.
13.7k reviews288 followers
June 24, 2022
A single father provides tips for dealing with life's frustrations to his young son, Sam, even explaining the meaning of words such as perspective, frustration, and patience to the boy as he deals with a problematic zipper and a missing object. The boy takes these lessons to heart, considering that what might seem like a big problem can turn out to be a small one. Then, in a nifty and somewhat unexpected turnabout, he reminds his father about these lessons when the man starts getting upset over some papers accidentally ruined by Sam. The affection between the two of them is palpable, providing readers with a wonderful example of the special bond between a single father and his son, something not often depicted in picture books for children. The text and illustrations--filled with movement and expression--also highlight the unique secret handshake and breathing exercises they share to deal with stress and cement their own bond. This picture book might be a good choice for a Father's Day present or read aloud. Even for adult readers, it serves as a good reminder that the problems that might seem insurmountable are most likely inconveniences more than anything else. This book offers some good coping skills for those times when little problems arise, and the title is quite clever once readers reach the end of the book.
Profile Image for Beyond the Pages with Eva K.
2,324 reviews141 followers
December 14, 2022
Quick Summary: Love and life lessons

My Review: Big Problems, Little Problems by Author B. Feller and illustrated by Artist M. Lopez was a colorful story that offered beautiful life lessons throughout. This book did well in painting a picture of what a healthy father-son relationship looks like. I loved that it showed cooperative learning from both the parent and child perspective. I also appreciated that it showed what love in action requires.

My Takeaway: There were two prominent messages that rang true in this book:

1) Love is a bridge that offers the firm foundation in a relationship.
2) Learning can happen in every experience.

My Final Say: This wonderful story was incredibly simple, but it packed a huge punch. It will appeal to families who want to encourage positive parental interactions with their children.

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: Ages 4-8

I voluntarily read this title via NetGalley. Appreciation is extended to the author, to the illustrator, and to the publisher. Thank you for making your work available for review.
Profile Image for Annaka.
201 reviews3 followers
April 26, 2022
I received a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a cute book with wonderful illustrations that teaches about emotional regulation. It didn’t shy away from challenging concepts (like perception) and defined things well, even for younger minds. It also teaches deep breathing and problem solving. My favorite part was having the dad become upset with a “big” problem and his son helping him to realize how he could make it a small problem. Seeing an adult use the same lesson (despite his initial reaction) is a nice touch.
Profile Image for Sheri.
2,282 reviews6 followers
July 27, 2022
I liked the story of a dad and his son getting ready for school and work and working together. I think there are two main characters an adult and a child and that is unique and each has their part of the story to solve problems. There is compromise where each becomes the character with a problem at different times and the other takes the role of helping work out the problem. Kind of a unique story form and no mother is involved.
Profile Image for Erin Buhr.
Author  4 books37 followers
August 6, 2022
BIG PROBLEMS LITTLE PROBLEMS is a story about the bond between a father and son as they navigate life together. This book is about learning how to deal with frustrating and putting problems in perspective, but the heart of this story is the warm relationship between the dad and his son. The story is equal parts sweet and full of positive emotional strategies.
Profile Image for FM Family.
1,069 reviews11 followers
October 7, 2022
This was a cute one with unique illustrations. My five year old loved the maze in the middle of the book as well as the handshake routine between dad and son. It was a good conversation starter in terms of big vs little problems, but the one issue is that we never found out what would actually constitute a big problem in this world. Is it nothing? Good representation of a single parent family.
Profile Image for Alice.
4,255 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2022
4 stars for this reminder that there are big problems and then there are little problems. Although problems frustrate us and we need to learn patience, we need to have perspective
Profile Image for Rachel.
202 reviews65 followers
December 20, 2022
Book that helps kids and parents put in perspective if something is a big problem or little problem. I think I might need this book just as much as a kid.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
244 reviews30 followers
June 4, 2022
Who needs therapy when you can read picture books? Scratch that. If I read picture books like this when I was a kid I wouldn't have needed therapy. This book shows mindfulness done so, so right.

The illustrations are wonderful. Especially poignant were the scenes when you see the characters wrapped up in the anxious scribbles and watch them unwind as they find a way to calm down. I loved seeing a father and son interact with each other in such an endearing way.

Moral of the story: sometimes the only "big" problem is almost forgetting to share a hug.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Hannah Jane.
762 reviews25 followers
September 20, 2022
Big Problems, Little Problems spotlights a comforting ritual between a father and son that happens each time they work through one of their problems. An excellent read that includes problem-solving, acknowledgement of emotions, and vocabulary-building. What is the difference between a big problem and a little problem? The author, Feller, doesn’t say it outright, but each time dad and son work through their problems and find solutions, big problems always become little problems.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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