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Big Al
Poor Big Al! He just wants to make friends. And in the whole wide blue sea you can't find a nicer fish. But because Big Al is large and scary-looking, the little fish are afraid to get to know him.
What can he do? He tries everything he can think of -- from disguising himself with seaweed to burrowing under the ocean floor so he'll look smaller. But something always goes wrong, and lonely Big Al wonders if he'll ever have a single friend. Then one frightening day, when a fishing net captures the other fish, Big Al gets the chance to prove what a wonderful friend he can be!
What can he do? He tries everything he can think of -- from disguising himself with seaweed to burrowing under the ocean floor so he'll look smaller. But something always goes wrong, and lonely Big Al wonders if he'll ever have a single friend. Then one frightening day, when a fishing net captures the other fish, Big Al gets the chance to prove what a wonderful friend he can be!
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
About the author
Andrew Clements
173 books2,047 followersI was born in Camden, New Jersey in 1949 and lived in Oaklyn and Cherry Hill until the middle of sixth grade. Then we moved to Springfield, Illinois. My parents were avid readers and they gave that love of books and reading to me and to all my brothers and sisters. I didn’t think about being a writer at all back then, but I did love to read. I'm certain there's a link between reading good books and becoming a writer. I don't know a single writer who wasn’t a reader first.
Before moving to Illinois, and even afterwards, our family spent summers at a cabin on a lake in Maine. There was no TV there, no phone, no doorbell—and email wasn’t even invented. All day there was time to swim and fish and mess around outside, and every night, there was time to read. I know those quiet summers helped me begin to think like a writer.
During my senior year at Springfield High School my English teacher handed back a poem I’d written. Two things were amazing about that paper. First, I’d gotten an A—a rare event in this teacher’s class. And she’d also written in large, scrawly red writing, “Andrew—this poem is so funny. This should be published!”
That praise sent me off to Northwestern University feeling like I was a pretty good writer, and occasionally professors there also encouraged me and complimented the essays I was required to write as a literature major. But I didn’t write much on my own—just some poetry now and then. I learned to play guitar and began writing songs, but again, only when I felt like it. Writing felt like hard work—something that’s still true today.
After the songwriting came my first job in publishing. I worked for a small publisher who specialized in how-to books, the kind of books that have photos with informative captions below each one. The book in which my name first appeared in print is called A Country Christmas Treasury. I’d built a number of the projects featured in the book, and I was listed as one of the “craftspeople”on the acknowlegements page, in tiny, tiny type.
In 1990 I began trying to write a story about a boy who makes up a new word. That book eventually became my first novel, Frindle, published in 1996, and you can read the whole story of how it developed on another web site, frindle.com. Frindle became popular, more popular than any of my books before or since—at least so far. And it had the eventual effect of turning me into a full-time writer.
I’ve learned that I need time and a quiet place to think and write. These days, I spend a lot of my time sitting in a small shed about seventy feet from my back door at our home in Massachusetts. There’s a woodstove in there for the cold winters, and an air conditioner for the hot summers. There’s a desk and chair, and I carry a laptop computer back and forth. But there’s no TV, no phone, no doorbell, no email. And the woodstove and the pine board walls make the place smell just like that cabin in Maine where I spent my earliest summers.
Sometimes kids ask how I've been able to write so many books. The answer is simple: one word at a time. Which is a good lesson, I think. You don't have to do everything at once. You don't have to know how every story is going to end. You just have to take that next step, look for that next idea, write that next word. And growing up, it's the same way. We just have to go to that next class, read that next chapter, help that next person. You simply have to do that next good thing, and before you know it, you're living a good life.
Before moving to Illinois, and even afterwards, our family spent summers at a cabin on a lake in Maine. There was no TV there, no phone, no doorbell—and email wasn’t even invented. All day there was time to swim and fish and mess around outside, and every night, there was time to read. I know those quiet summers helped me begin to think like a writer.
During my senior year at Springfield High School my English teacher handed back a poem I’d written. Two things were amazing about that paper. First, I’d gotten an A—a rare event in this teacher’s class. And she’d also written in large, scrawly red writing, “Andrew—this poem is so funny. This should be published!”
That praise sent me off to Northwestern University feeling like I was a pretty good writer, and occasionally professors there also encouraged me and complimented the essays I was required to write as a literature major. But I didn’t write much on my own—just some poetry now and then. I learned to play guitar and began writing songs, but again, only when I felt like it. Writing felt like hard work—something that’s still true today.
After the songwriting came my first job in publishing. I worked for a small publisher who specialized in how-to books, the kind of books that have photos with informative captions below each one. The book in which my name first appeared in print is called A Country Christmas Treasury. I’d built a number of the projects featured in the book, and I was listed as one of the “craftspeople”on the acknowlegements page, in tiny, tiny type.
In 1990 I began trying to write a story about a boy who makes up a new word. That book eventually became my first novel, Frindle, published in 1996, and you can read the whole story of how it developed on another web site, frindle.com. Frindle became popular, more popular than any of my books before or since—at least so far. And it had the eventual effect of turning me into a full-time writer.
I’ve learned that I need time and a quiet place to think and write. These days, I spend a lot of my time sitting in a small shed about seventy feet from my back door at our home in Massachusetts. There’s a woodstove in there for the cold winters, and an air conditioner for the hot summers. There’s a desk and chair, and I carry a laptop computer back and forth. But there’s no TV, no phone, no doorbell, no email. And the woodstove and the pine board walls make the place smell just like that cabin in Maine where I spent my earliest summers.
Sometimes kids ask how I've been able to write so many books. The answer is simple: one word at a time. Which is a good lesson, I think. You don't have to do everything at once. You don't have to know how every story is going to end. You just have to take that next step, look for that next idea, write that next word. And growing up, it's the same way. We just have to go to that next class, read that next chapter, help that next person. You simply have to do that next good thing, and before you know it, you're living a good life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
December 2, 2019
This is an entertaining story about a big, ugly fish who finds a way to make friends.
The story helps to reinforce the concept that what's important about a person is on the inside, not the outside.
The illustrations are colorful and I was surprised at how expressive the fish faces were.
Our youngest brought this book home from her second-grade class to practice her reading comprehension. We enjoyed reading the book together.
The story helps to reinforce the concept that what's important about a person is on the inside, not the outside.
The illustrations are colorful and I was surprised at how expressive the fish faces were.
Our youngest brought this book home from her second-grade class to practice her reading comprehension. We enjoyed reading the book together.
May 2, 2012
4.5 stars. I grabbed this book to use with one of my speech/language group today. I recently bought it and wanted to see what the kids thought. I loved the story and pictures. I was able to talk with the kids about friendship, the ways Al tried to make friends, explore some vocabulary, ask questions, etc. They were fully involved in the story (even those students with attentional issues stayed with it). Going in my reread pile!
September 26, 2011
Big Al is about a heroic fish named Big Al. Big Al is bigger than all of the other fish and no one wants to be friends with him until he saves the day. He tries many different ways to fit in but nothing works. Big Al saves the day by rescuing the other fish. After Big Al saves the other fish in the ocean he finally gets the friends that he has always wanted. This book has a great message for children about being yourself and helping others.
January 9, 2018
The story is wonderful, although the text could’ve been tighter.
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November 19, 2015Summarize the book:
This is a picture book about a big, scary looking fish who just wants to find a friend. No matter how hard he tries to be friendly and nice, all the other fish are afraid of him. He is finally able to make friends after the fish get caught in a net and he saves them.
Identify the characteristics from the text that support the specific genre:
The colorful pictures keep children engaged and excited. Text and illustrations work together to deliver the message that looks can be deceiving and we should not judge a book by its cover.
Identify specific concepts that could be integrated into the classroom:
Reading this book in the classroom, we can discuss not judging a book by its cover and how we should include everyone. We can also discuss individuality, how everyone is different and should be treated with kindness.
Provide any other suggestions that would be useful regarding literary content, reading level, and other ways in which the book might be integrated:
Incorporating this book into a unit about fish and marine life would be a great way to learn about the different animals that live in the sea.
This is a picture book about a big, scary looking fish who just wants to find a friend. No matter how hard he tries to be friendly and nice, all the other fish are afraid of him. He is finally able to make friends after the fish get caught in a net and he saves them.
Identify the characteristics from the text that support the specific genre:
The colorful pictures keep children engaged and excited. Text and illustrations work together to deliver the message that looks can be deceiving and we should not judge a book by its cover.
Identify specific concepts that could be integrated into the classroom:
Reading this book in the classroom, we can discuss not judging a book by its cover and how we should include everyone. We can also discuss individuality, how everyone is different and should be treated with kindness.
Provide any other suggestions that would be useful regarding literary content, reading level, and other ways in which the book might be integrated:
Incorporating this book into a unit about fish and marine life would be a great way to learn about the different animals that live in the sea.
May 21, 2010
Al is a big, scary-looking fish. None of the little fish will get close enough to find out that Al is also the nicest fish you'll ever find in the ocean. Poor, lonely Al tries everything to disguise himself: he wraps himself in seaweed, he buries himself in sand, and he even tries to change his color. Still, everyone is frightened by his scary teeth and enormous mouth. When danger comes along, Big Al finally gets to prove his kindness and bravery.
Big Al's gentle, funny story reminds us that actions speak louder than words--and that looks don't tell us everything about the people around us.
Big Al's gentle, funny story reminds us that actions speak louder than words--and that looks don't tell us everything about the people around us.
May 10, 2011
Big Al is the nicest fish, really, you couldn't meet a nicest fish. It's just that he's big and kind of ugly and kind of scares all the other fish. But, really, you couldn't meet a nicer fish.
Story about friendship & not liking people based on looks...although Big Al has to save everyone's lives before they like him and his big/non-cute ness, so maybe it's more about the realities of life.
Pairs well with Swimmy or Big Al and Shrimpy
Story about friendship & not liking people based on looks...although Big Al has to save everyone's lives before they like him and his big/non-cute ness, so maybe it's more about the realities of life.
Pairs well with Swimmy or Big Al and Shrimpy
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November 20, 2013This book is about an ugly fish who is very lonely because all the other fish are afraid of him. he tries everything to become their friend but they reject him then one day he saves the fish from the net of a fisherman and he becomes their hero and best friend. This is a great book to read with students throughout the year to show them they shouldn't judge a book by its cover and give everyone a chance to be friends. This is one that i would keep in my classroom library for students.
December 13, 2024
This is a beautifully illustrated picture book with an endearing main character. My students were rooting for Big Al throughout his different attempts at making friends. His failed attempts highlight some of the challenges involved when we aren’t true to ourselves.
September 24, 2012
Big Al
Main Characters: Big Al
Setting: The Sea
POV: Third Person Narrator
Summary: “Big Al,” written by Andrew Clements and illustrated by Yoshi, is a story about friendship and acceptance. Big Al is the friendliest and nicest fish in the entire ocean and really wants to make friends. However, Big Al has a very hard time getting other fish to be his friend because of his large size and scary appearance. Big Al’s brown, ugly scales and big eyes and teeth scare the other fish away from him. He tries to disguise himself in many different ways, but all of his attempts fail. One day, a giant fish net drops down into the sea and gathers up the smaller fish, who are all swimming and playing together. Big Al uses his big size and sharp, scary teeth to rip a whole in the fish net and all of the little fish swim free. However, Big Al gets tangled up and stuck in the net and the fishermen pull him out of the water. The little fish are all grateful to Big Al for saving them, but very sad that he got caught. Moments later, the little fish are relieved when Big Al comes crashing into the water. The fishermen think Big Al is too ugly a fish to keep, so they throw him back into the sea. The little fish all realize that Big Al is the nicest fish in the sea and they all become friends.
Classroom Uses/Theme: I would use this book in a Kindergarten through second grade classroom as a read aloud. I could use “Big Al,” to open up the discussions of judging a book by its cover and beauty being on the inside.
Main Characters: Big Al
Setting: The Sea
POV: Third Person Narrator
Summary: “Big Al,” written by Andrew Clements and illustrated by Yoshi, is a story about friendship and acceptance. Big Al is the friendliest and nicest fish in the entire ocean and really wants to make friends. However, Big Al has a very hard time getting other fish to be his friend because of his large size and scary appearance. Big Al’s brown, ugly scales and big eyes and teeth scare the other fish away from him. He tries to disguise himself in many different ways, but all of his attempts fail. One day, a giant fish net drops down into the sea and gathers up the smaller fish, who are all swimming and playing together. Big Al uses his big size and sharp, scary teeth to rip a whole in the fish net and all of the little fish swim free. However, Big Al gets tangled up and stuck in the net and the fishermen pull him out of the water. The little fish are all grateful to Big Al for saving them, but very sad that he got caught. Moments later, the little fish are relieved when Big Al comes crashing into the water. The fishermen think Big Al is too ugly a fish to keep, so they throw him back into the sea. The little fish all realize that Big Al is the nicest fish in the sea and they all become friends.
Classroom Uses/Theme: I would use this book in a Kindergarten through second grade classroom as a read aloud. I could use “Big Al,” to open up the discussions of judging a book by its cover and beauty being on the inside.
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March 30, 2014Big Al is a timeless tale that teaches about friendship and appearance. Big Al is big, ugly, and scary. Big Al is the nicest fish in the ocean but he has no friends and is very lonely. The other fish can't look past his exterior to get to know his interior. Al tries numerous different tricks to disguise himself so that people will like him, but none of them work. Al gains friends after he saves a pack of fish that are trapped in a fisherman's net by cutting it open with his sharp scary teeth. Of course, he had to do something amazing for people to like him and they didn't just accept him the way he is, but I guess that's what stories often teach our children. This book can be used to teach children sequencing. It's very clear where the begin, middle and ending lie in this book. You can speak with kids about what happened in the beginning, middle, and end and then have the students draw a picture depicting the sequence of the story.
September 18, 2012
Big Al is a big fish with bumpy skin and sharp teeth. Even though he is a nice fish, his appearance scares all the other fish away. So Big Al is lonely and doesn't have any friends. But then something happens so that Big Al can prove how brave and nice he is, and by the end **spoiler alert** Big Al has more friends than everybody else.
The illustrations by Yoshi are great. The children really feel sorry for Big Al when he is sad and lonely. I like to bug my eyes out when Big Al puffs himself up, but I'm still working on a good sneeze for when Big Al sneezes. It has to be a big sneeze, but I don't want to spray the kids.
I've been reading it to preschoolers and up through third graders. At the end of the story I ask "And now there is one fish who has more friends than anybody else. And do you know who that is?" And everybody yells, "Big Al!"
The illustrations by Yoshi are great. The children really feel sorry for Big Al when he is sad and lonely. I like to bug my eyes out when Big Al puffs himself up, but I'm still working on a good sneeze for when Big Al sneezes. It has to be a big sneeze, but I don't want to spray the kids.
I've been reading it to preschoolers and up through third graders. At the end of the story I ask "And now there is one fish who has more friends than anybody else. And do you know who that is?" And everybody yells, "Big Al!"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2016
This is a book about a great big, friendly, ugly fish. Big Al has no friends because of his looks. Despite his efforts to gain friends with the other fish, he is unsuccessful. One day Big Al notices that all the other fish are trapped in a net. He rips a hole in the net and frees the other fish. Unfortunately, he becomes ensnared in the net and it is raised to the surface and out of the water. With one look at Big Al, the fishermen throw him back into the sea, where he is joined by all of his new friends.
I like this book for several reasons. First, it is about friendships, and there are many times that I have felt the same way as Big Al. Second, I was called Big Al all through junior high and high school.
This would be a great book to show that looks do not determine what someone is like on the inside, and that we should not stereotype anyone just because of appearances. (I Sam. 16)
I like this book for several reasons. First, it is about friendships, and there are many times that I have felt the same way as Big Al. Second, I was called Big Al all through junior high and high school.
This would be a great book to show that looks do not determine what someone is like on the inside, and that we should not stereotype anyone just because of appearances. (I Sam. 16)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 31, 2011Big Al is a great story that can also be read to many grade levels( appropriate for kindergarten through 5th grade). Throughout the story Big Al, the big fish, is having trouble fitting in with all the other fish in the ocean. He is not accepted or well-liked because of his unusual appearance. Big Al tries many means of trying to change himself so that others will accept him and he can make friends. This is certainly relateable for students in elementary school since everyone wants to be liked and accepted. It would be a great book to read on the first day of school or even when a new student comes to your class.
August 6, 2019
My son loves books about fish ever since reading The Rainbow Fish and this was no exception. Big Al is a big-hearted guy, but unfortunately for him, his face doesn't reflect his kind heart. Though he tries his hardest to make friends by attempting to change the way he looks, it fails and all the little fish get scared away. But when a net captures all the little fish, Big Al used his big, scary, sharp teeth to break the net and set the free, but getting himself caught in the process.
Luckily for Big Al, even the fisherman were scared of him and threw him back in. Now Big Al has more friends than anyone else in the entire ocean.
Luckily for Big Al, even the fisherman were scared of him and threw him back in. Now Big Al has more friends than anyone else in the entire ocean.
April 2, 2013
Big Al tells the story of a fish named Al who is having a hard time making friends because he is big and scary looking. The little fish get caught in a fisherman's net and Al has a chance to prove that he would make a great friend. This book is for children ages four to eight. The illustrations take the reader under the sea to a colorful world of fish. Big Al is drawn so that the reader is able to see his vulnerability and that he is not really scary. My favorite part of this book was the simple message that you should not judge someone based on their appearance.
March 7, 2014
This book is not new, but it is a timeless tale. Through the story of a big, ugly, and especially kind fish, it gently explains the trouble with judging someone by their looks. Big Al, the fish, is a super friendly, but he is also big and scary looking. None of the other fish in the sea will get close enough to get to know him. One day something happens and Big Al selflessly steps up to help the other fish. A simple, relate-able story beautifully illustrated with soft, vibrant colors. Plunge into the deep blue sea and explore this universal message about friendship.
April 19, 2016
Big Al is a wonderful book that everyone should read! It is a story about a big fish who is having trouble fitting in with the other fish in the ocean. Big Al wanted to make friends, but he was so big that the other fish were afraid of him. Big Al tried to disguise himself so the other fish would like him, but that didn't work! Then a big boat came and... well, read the book and find out for yourself! This book is great because it teaches its readers about friendship and acceptance. Every person (or fish!) should have a friend. If you read this book, you will love it too!
December 13, 2016
kinda disappointed with the message.
no one will be friends with big al because hes big and ugly and scary looking.
but hes the nicest fish in the sea.
and a bunch of fish get captured and he saves them.
then he gets captured and the other fish are like, oh, oh well.
then the fishermen were like wow this fish is ugly bye.
so they throw him back in the water and now he has friends.
like, al, youre better than them you dont need them as friends.
also, what is this book about, being ugly can really be a good thing if youre captured by predators?
no one will be friends with big al because hes big and ugly and scary looking.
but hes the nicest fish in the sea.
and a bunch of fish get captured and he saves them.
then he gets captured and the other fish are like, oh, oh well.
then the fishermen were like wow this fish is ugly bye.
so they throw him back in the water and now he has friends.
like, al, youre better than them you dont need them as friends.
also, what is this book about, being ugly can really be a good thing if youre captured by predators?
March 16, 2017
Poor Big Al! He just wants to make friends. And in the whole wide blue sea you can't find a nicer fish. But because Big Al is large and scary-looking, the little fish are afraid to get to know him.
What can he do? He tries everything he can think of -- from disguising himself with seaweed to burrowing under the ocean floor so he'll look smaller. But something always goes wrong, and lonely Big Al wonders if he'll ever have a single friend. Then one frightening day, when a fishing net captures the other fish, Big Al gets the chance to prove what a wonderful friend he can be!
What can he do? He tries everything he can think of -- from disguising himself with seaweed to burrowing under the ocean floor so he'll look smaller. But something always goes wrong, and lonely Big Al wonders if he'll ever have a single friend. Then one frightening day, when a fishing net captures the other fish, Big Al gets the chance to prove what a wonderful friend he can be!
September 5, 2010
Big Al is a touching tale of why you should never judge a book by it's cover or a fish by it's scales. Desperately seeking a friend, Big Al tries all sorts of things to make friends including altering his appearance. In the end, what he thought were his biggest flaws turned out to be his greatest assets.
Andrew Clements' inspirational story and Yoshi's awe inspiring artwork certainly make for a delightful combination. Big Al is at the front of my bookshelf
Andrew Clements' inspirational story and Yoshi's awe inspiring artwork certainly make for a delightful combination. Big Al is at the front of my bookshelf
December 7, 2011
Big Al is a large, lonely fish. Because he is so large it is hard for him to make friends. Although he tries to disguise himself in many different ways, he fails to make any friends.
One day, all of the small fish got caught by a fisherman's net. Big Al saved them by tearing the net. After that, everyone loved Big Al.
I would use this book to talk about the importance of friendship and community and how everyone needs to get along.
One day, all of the small fish got caught by a fisherman's net. Big Al saved them by tearing the net. After that, everyone loved Big Al.
I would use this book to talk about the importance of friendship and community and how everyone needs to get along.
April 11, 2014
This is a great book about acceptance. Big Al is a very "unattractive" fish that doesn't have any friends because he looks so scary. But, when a net comes down to capture all of the smaller fish, Big Al sacrifices himself to save the others. The surprise ending is a delight when the fisherman are so scared of the scary face that they release Big Al, thus resulting in Big Al becoming the hero - who suddenly has lots and lots of friends. A great book for many ages.
November 18, 2016
Big Al by Andrew Clements highlights about a fish that is not like the rest but ends up becoming friends with all the fish after saving them from the fishermen. This book is a fantasy story and allows children to use their imagination while listening and reading. This story has great pictures and colors on the pages. This story is appropriate for Pre-K to first grade readers. The guided reading level is L. This is a great imagery story.
March 4, 2021
This is an attractive and entertaining story that is sure to engage young readers or listeners. The problem in the story will be familiar to most children, and they will surely have solutions to recommend. That may be the jumping off point for an innovation book in my classsroom. The illustrations are beautiful and enhance the story. Sure to be a winner for read aloud story time.
February 17, 2017
Big Al is a large, ugly fish who fails to make friends with the other fish because of his appearance. When Big Al sacrifices himself for the others, the other fish realize they have misjudged him. Fortunately, this story has a happy ending. A compelling picture book with a powerful message.
June 21, 2017
Charming!
July 15, 2017
Cute story about a fish trying to find his place in the ocean with friends. It's not about your looks but who you are.
August 5, 2017
Before RAINBOW FISH there was BIG AL. I prefer Big Al because I don't like the message in RF that you're only accepted when you no longer have special gifts or talents that are unique to you.
August 29, 2017
Very simplistic and short storyline. The art was well done, but the story felt like it was missing something.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews