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Big Enough
From the creator of the beloved webcomic The Oxherd Boy, comes this dazzling, gorgeously illustrated picture book about a little boy who learns he is big enough to do big things.
Little Ah-Fu has a big imagination, but he can’t imagine being the Oxherd Boy . . . yet.
When the day comes for Ah-Fu to bring the huge family ox home from the woods, he worries that he’s not big enough to do the job.
Will fear and self-doubt drive Ah-Fu home empty-handed? Or can he rely on his wits and compassion to become the Oxherd Boy his family expects—and prove to himself that he is, indeed, big enough?
Delightfully paired with exquisite illustrations, this empowering story inspired by traditional Chinese philosophy shows kids big and small how to trust themselves and embrace what they can be.
Little Ah-Fu has a big imagination, but he can’t imagine being the Oxherd Boy . . . yet.
When the day comes for Ah-Fu to bring the huge family ox home from the woods, he worries that he’s not big enough to do the job.
Will fear and self-doubt drive Ah-Fu home empty-handed? Or can he rely on his wits and compassion to become the Oxherd Boy his family expects—and prove to himself that he is, indeed, big enough?
Delightfully paired with exquisite illustrations, this empowering story inspired by traditional Chinese philosophy shows kids big and small how to trust themselves and embrace what they can be.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published April 1, 2025
2 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Regina Linke
4 books43 followersRegina Linke is a Taiwanese American artist specializing in Chinese gongbi-style painting, an ancient form of brush painting that depicts narrative subjects in colorful high detail. She enjoys writing and illustrating stories that celebrate East Asian folklore and philosophy in a modern way. Regina lives with her family in Rhode Island, in the United States.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
June 5, 2025
Ah-Fu is a small boy with a big imagination. One day his grandfather asks him to go to town to bring home the ox from the field. Ah-Fu is surprised his grandfather thinks he's old enough to do the job. However, his grandfather does tells Ah-Fu that he is not big enough to ride him. The story continues with Ah-Fu getting advice from others that convince him he's too small to do the job. However, once Ah-Fu meets the ox, he realizes that he can do the job and he does it confidently. This is a gorgeous picture book that reads like a folktale about facing fears and having self-confidence. A wonderful story to read and share!
February 6, 2026
Lovely illustrations, classic feel
August 8, 2025
Bravery
Repetition
Sweet
Animals
Great illustrations
Repetition
Sweet
Animals
Great illustrations
July 22, 2025
A beautiful and empowering read
October 31, 2025
Lovely story of a young boy told to bring home the Ox and who is told what not to do. He learns from the Ox how he can do all the things he was told not to do.
January 7, 2026
3 for story, 4.5 for illustrations. For ages 4-8. 4-6 sentences per page. Ah-Fu, a young Chinese boy, is told by his grandfather to bring the ox home from the field that evening. Ah-Fu is worried he is too little to successfully bring the ox home, but he is able to.
When looking at only the illustrations, it’s a little harder to follow the full story, although I do get the sense that the boy sets out to find something, finds the ox, and brings the ox back home.
Paper quality is solid. The cover art is pretty and fits the main focus of the story – the ox and the boy Ah-Fu. Under the dust jacket, there is a scenic view of the landscape with the boy overlooking the water. The endpapers hold beautiful drawings of lotus and fish in the daytime and nighttime. Illustrations merge well with the gutter of the book. The work employs gongbi (lifelike, precise strokes) and traditional Chinese ink and wash painting techniques, which is cool!
Color: I appreciated the use of the red with the aged font as the title – it fits the cultural aspect of the book. The illustrator’s use of color suits the words – the text is very calm. Chinese/Taiwanese cultural associations with the color blue include tranquility, healing, growth, and spring. There is also an association with the Wood element with all the farmland/nature scenes. The colors used are predominantly cool – blue, gray, off-white, green, and the faintest pinks for lotus flowers. I like how the colors darken as the sun goes down, and how the book ends with a dark purple/black sky. The colors used are realistic – the skin coloring and the realistic-ness of the eyes with lighting was impressive. The colors are present and fade appropriately with the washed style. Color reproduction is good.
Line: The lines are more delicate. There are straight lines for objects and curved lines for plants/nature. The lines of objects also help naturally point readers onwards, such as when Ah-Fu falls after meeting the ox and cries. The brush strokes are precise and clean in traditional Chinese gongbi fashion. There is also a softness to the work – the linework for Ah-Fu's up close face shots and when Ah-Fu climbs onto the ox or touches its nose makes the gestures appear so gentle.
Shape: A lot of the shapes here are organic and found in nature since most of the story takes place in nature and outside.
Texture: Gongbi style is seen in the brushwork, crisp outlining of the people, and lifelike look. The illustration does have tactile feel to it – the hat design and the fur/feathers on animals look as though you can touch them. I was particularly impressed with the brushwork on the ox – the ox looks so touchable – from its ears and chin to its nose.
Dominance: Dominant elements include Ah-Fu, the ox, lantern light, birds, and the frog and are all consistent with the text of the story. In terms of size, the ox, frog, birds, and Ah-Fu are all big on certain pages, really emphasizing their character in conjunction with the text.
Text: The text is integrated into and around the illustrations. There are four page spreads without any text, and they highlight important parts of the story: when Ah-Fu and the ox first see each other, when Ah-Fu leads the ox across the way, when Ah-Fu waves the ox bye at the end of the journey, and when Ah-Fu goes along the water bridge path near the lotus flowers alone at night with his light. The typeface fits the story, as it looks aged and traditional.
Composition: There is some blank space usually in the inner middle top part of the page close to the gutter. I like that the pages are not white, but an off-white/grayer/faded brown/changing color. The boy is often pointing forward, which draws the readers’ eyes naturally to the next page and next image.
Overall: The visual elements complement the story. The illustrations are accurate in historical, cultural, and geographical details – the landscape views in Asia, the lotus flowers blooming, the portrayal of Ah-Fu's clothes and hat, the illustration of the ox. The artwork is beautiful, calm/muted, and fully colored.
When looking at only the illustrations, it’s a little harder to follow the full story, although I do get the sense that the boy sets out to find something, finds the ox, and brings the ox back home.
Paper quality is solid. The cover art is pretty and fits the main focus of the story – the ox and the boy Ah-Fu. Under the dust jacket, there is a scenic view of the landscape with the boy overlooking the water. The endpapers hold beautiful drawings of lotus and fish in the daytime and nighttime. Illustrations merge well with the gutter of the book. The work employs gongbi (lifelike, precise strokes) and traditional Chinese ink and wash painting techniques, which is cool!
Color: I appreciated the use of the red with the aged font as the title – it fits the cultural aspect of the book. The illustrator’s use of color suits the words – the text is very calm. Chinese/Taiwanese cultural associations with the color blue include tranquility, healing, growth, and spring. There is also an association with the Wood element with all the farmland/nature scenes. The colors used are predominantly cool – blue, gray, off-white, green, and the faintest pinks for lotus flowers. I like how the colors darken as the sun goes down, and how the book ends with a dark purple/black sky. The colors used are realistic – the skin coloring and the realistic-ness of the eyes with lighting was impressive. The colors are present and fade appropriately with the washed style. Color reproduction is good.
Line: The lines are more delicate. There are straight lines for objects and curved lines for plants/nature. The lines of objects also help naturally point readers onwards, such as when Ah-Fu falls after meeting the ox and cries. The brush strokes are precise and clean in traditional Chinese gongbi fashion. There is also a softness to the work – the linework for Ah-Fu's up close face shots and when Ah-Fu climbs onto the ox or touches its nose makes the gestures appear so gentle.
Shape: A lot of the shapes here are organic and found in nature since most of the story takes place in nature and outside.
Texture: Gongbi style is seen in the brushwork, crisp outlining of the people, and lifelike look. The illustration does have tactile feel to it – the hat design and the fur/feathers on animals look as though you can touch them. I was particularly impressed with the brushwork on the ox – the ox looks so touchable – from its ears and chin to its nose.
Dominance: Dominant elements include Ah-Fu, the ox, lantern light, birds, and the frog and are all consistent with the text of the story. In terms of size, the ox, frog, birds, and Ah-Fu are all big on certain pages, really emphasizing their character in conjunction with the text.
Text: The text is integrated into and around the illustrations. There are four page spreads without any text, and they highlight important parts of the story: when Ah-Fu and the ox first see each other, when Ah-Fu leads the ox across the way, when Ah-Fu waves the ox bye at the end of the journey, and when Ah-Fu goes along the water bridge path near the lotus flowers alone at night with his light. The typeface fits the story, as it looks aged and traditional.
Composition: There is some blank space usually in the inner middle top part of the page close to the gutter. I like that the pages are not white, but an off-white/grayer/faded brown/changing color. The boy is often pointing forward, which draws the readers’ eyes naturally to the next page and next image.
Overall: The visual elements complement the story. The illustrations are accurate in historical, cultural, and geographical details – the landscape views in Asia, the lotus flowers blooming, the portrayal of Ah-Fu's clothes and hat, the illustration of the ox. The artwork is beautiful, calm/muted, and fully colored.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2025
Ah-Fu’s grandfather decided that he was now big enough to bring home the ox from the field in the evening. He explained that Ah-Fu was too small to ride the ox. Ah-Fu set off until he met a flock of swallows who explained that Ah-Fu shouldn’t try to lead the ox by the horns as he was too small. Next, Ah-Fu met a frog who explained that Ah-Fu was too small to herd the ox from behind. Ah-Fu whispered all of these rules to himself until he found himself facing an enormous ox. He was not big enough at all! Ah-Fu soon learned that the ox may be big but he was maybe even more scared and worried than Ah-Fu. Soon the two worked together to get home but Ah-Fu would have to break all the rules to make it happen.
This charming tale reads like a traditional folktale with its talking animals and the structure of building a list and then breaking it down. The ox being so large and so gentle-hearted adds to the story as Ah-Fu must become the courageous one. The luminous illustrations were done digitally using traditional Chinese gongbi and xieyi techniques. They are stunningly beautiful with their misty qualities that work particularly well for this story.
Beautifully crafted and just right to share aloud. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
This charming tale reads like a traditional folktale with its talking animals and the structure of building a list and then breaking it down. The ox being so large and so gentle-hearted adds to the story as Ah-Fu must become the courageous one. The luminous illustrations were done digitally using traditional Chinese gongbi and xieyi techniques. They are stunningly beautiful with their misty qualities that work particularly well for this story.
Beautifully crafted and just right to share aloud. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
May 23, 2025
There are picture books that come along and steal your breath. This is one of them. I have been anticipating reading it both because of the buzz but also from the cover itself that gives a glimpse into the artistry. Linke uses traditional Chinese gongbi and xieyi techniques to paint the book digitally which creates an elegant and stunning set of pictures as Ah-fu learns to be an oxherder like the rest of his family.
His grandfather asks him to lead the ox home but along the way he's told what he should and shouldn't do because he's not big enough. That is, until he meets the ox who asks for his help in order to lead him home. This friendship is the backbone of the story that is full of landscapes and gentle storytelling that sweeps a reader up. Somewhat similar to Chooch Helped, it fits the category of community and growing up and responsibility and guidance but more so about relationships.
This is a STUNNING picture book on every front.
His grandfather asks him to lead the ox home but along the way he's told what he should and shouldn't do because he's not big enough. That is, until he meets the ox who asks for his help in order to lead him home. This friendship is the backbone of the story that is full of landscapes and gentle storytelling that sweeps a reader up. Somewhat similar to Chooch Helped, it fits the category of community and growing up and responsibility and guidance but more so about relationships.
This is a STUNNING picture book on every front.
April 23, 2025
What a beautiful and thoughtful story!
I really loved this.
In this short but mighty tale, readers follow little Ah-Fu as he takes on a new responsibility—leading home the family ox from the woods.
He fears he is too small for such an important task.
Along the way, he ruminates on his many fears. But, when Ah-Fu finds the family ox waiting for him so they can find the way home together, he realizes that it is his fears that are small in comparison to the community who relies on him. He is big enough to help the family ox return home—and big enough to be part of this community.
Stories like this one—that assert the importance of each and every one of us in our communities—are so needed. Always, but now more than ever.
I so appreciate how this story invites readers—both young and old—to imagine a world in which we can all depend on each other to find our way home.
What a lovely world. What a world I want to live in.
Highly recommend for all readers! This is a moving and beautifully illustrated story~
I really loved this.
In this short but mighty tale, readers follow little Ah-Fu as he takes on a new responsibility—leading home the family ox from the woods.
He fears he is too small for such an important task.
Along the way, he ruminates on his many fears. But, when Ah-Fu finds the family ox waiting for him so they can find the way home together, he realizes that it is his fears that are small in comparison to the community who relies on him. He is big enough to help the family ox return home—and big enough to be part of this community.
Stories like this one—that assert the importance of each and every one of us in our communities—are so needed. Always, but now more than ever.
I so appreciate how this story invites readers—both young and old—to imagine a world in which we can all depend on each other to find our way home.
What a lovely world. What a world I want to live in.
Highly recommend for all readers! This is a moving and beautifully illustrated story~
June 20, 2025
This is an adorable picture book about believing in yourself and having compassion for others. Based on the popular webcomic series "The Oxherd Boy," Linke creates realistic character illustrations using a muted color palette that is inspired by Chinese philosophy and Chinese Gongbi painting. The way she portrays the main character, Ah-fu, feels similar to how a young child might feel being face-to-face with a large animal. Even though the author builds tension throughout the story, it felt strangely comforting and calming to read.
Reviewed by Eori, Library Page
Find it at the library here.
Reviewed by Eori, Library Page
Find it at the library here.
January 11, 2026
The art in this book is tremendous. It is a joy to walk through each of these pages and the nod to traditional Chinese art is breathtaking. One day Ah-fu is asked to bring home the family's big ox. He claims he is too small, so his grandfather and some animals he meets along the way tell him what not to do. Yet when he meets the ox, he finds the big animal to not only be gently, but to have the same worries that Ah-fu has and they work together to overcome each fear one at a time as they make their way home together. This is a lovely story about believing in yourself and rising above the worry to be the best and bravest person you can be. I very much enjoyed the story of Ah-fu and hope my students will hear the message in this gorgeous book.
June 10, 2025
So.. . I ❤️ picture books, old and new - and there have been some great new ones this year…
But every now and then I pick up a picture book which makes my heart sing, which takes my breathe away, which makes me read it five times in a row, which when I close my eyes the words and illustrations are one beautiful wonderful story, which is Big Enough by Regina Linke.
And Big Enough has a message of trusting yourself and what it means to be ‘big enough’ which I think children can relate to and which does not overpowering the story.
I hope this is a Caldecott winner, it’s top of my #mockcaldecott2026 list. #picturebookstagram #beautifulillustrations
But every now and then I pick up a picture book which makes my heart sing, which takes my breathe away, which makes me read it five times in a row, which when I close my eyes the words and illustrations are one beautiful wonderful story, which is Big Enough by Regina Linke.
And Big Enough has a message of trusting yourself and what it means to be ‘big enough’ which I think children can relate to and which does not overpowering the story.
I hope this is a Caldecott winner, it’s top of my #mockcaldecott2026 list. #picturebookstagram #beautifulillustrations
December 2, 2025
(Bill W’s 2025 Caldecott class project list.)
Regina Linke, a Taiwanese American artist combines contemporary Chinese Gongbi traditional ink and Wash illustrations with digital painting to create exquisitely lush illustrations of a young boy asked to bring in the ox from the fields. Both the ox and boy have fears about getting back safely. Going against what each knows, they join forces to make it home, proving Ah- Fu is Big Enough!
Stunning illustrations fade from the late afternoon light through gathering dusk and twilight to things that frighten them as it gets dark, each thanks the other for helping them get home and proving Ah-Fu is big enough.
Regina Linke, a Taiwanese American artist combines contemporary Chinese Gongbi traditional ink and Wash illustrations with digital painting to create exquisitely lush illustrations of a young boy asked to bring in the ox from the fields. Both the ox and boy have fears about getting back safely. Going against what each knows, they join forces to make it home, proving Ah- Fu is Big Enough!
Stunning illustrations fade from the late afternoon light through gathering dusk and twilight to things that frighten them as it gets dark, each thanks the other for helping them get home and proving Ah-Fu is big enough.
August 25, 2025
What an enchanting tale about an adorable little boy with a big imagination who grows up in a hurry to fulfill the daunting task his father has asked of him. He faces several obstacles along the way, including plenty of bad advice from well-meaning neighbors. Fortunately, a delightful plot twist ends up helping the boy overcome all the obstacles and get the job done in his own kind, compassionate, and clever ways. Beautiful artwork evokes a magical world in which Nature is a wondrous playground and all creation shares a common language.
November 26, 2025
Ah Fu is tasked with bringing the Ox home from the fields one evening. He is warned not to ride the ox as he is not big enough yet. He is warned by the sparrows not to lead the ox and the frog warns not to herd the ox from behind. When Ah Fu finally locates the ox, the poor beast is excited to get home but is afraid of the dark forest. So Ah Fu rides him to be able to see better and proceeds to lead him through the river and herd him down the cow path. Boy and ox arrive home safely.
Gorgeous digital illustrations. Recommended for storytime.
Gorgeous digital illustrations. Recommended for storytime.
February 5, 2026
Gorgeous illustrations and a heartfelt story that gently demonstrates that little Ah-Fu just might be big enough to bring the family's ox home from the fields. The very smart (and slightly mischievous!) ox leads the young star of the story to find strength, courage, and confidence to perform an important task for his father. Readers of all ages will be caught up in the clever storytelling (with more than a few funny 'wink, wink' moments!), but be sure to take time and relish the amazing art work, too.
A picture book that warrants multiple readings.
A picture book that warrants multiple readings.
April 22, 2025
Oh if I was on the Caldecott Committee, I would be championing this book in our discussions! It's for sure going on the mock list this year.
The art is lush and gorgeous and so full of emotion. The illustrations are full of details and work together with the text beautifully. It becomes a wonderful whole package and the story is a charming meditation on trusting yourself and what it means to be "big enough." I absolutely loved it!
The art is lush and gorgeous and so full of emotion. The illustrations are full of details and work together with the text beautifully. It becomes a wonderful whole package and the story is a charming meditation on trusting yourself and what it means to be "big enough." I absolutely loved it!
May 3, 2025
The sweet story of a boy who has to bring the ox home in the evening for the first time. He is scared to do it, and everyone gives him advice that he shouldn't ride it or lead it by the horns or herd it from behind. By the time he finds the ox he is so nervous that he thinks he can't do it, but it turns out the ox is scared too, and needs the boy to bravely help him get home. The illustrations are extremely beautiful
May 7, 2025
A beautiful, whimsical book about overcoming self-doubt and facing a few fears. I love the opening (both the illustration and the text), "There was once a boy named Ah-Fu, who was so small he often got lost, especially in his own imagination." I also like how the ox's fears help Ah-Fu overcome his own; sometimes it's easier to be brave for someone else than be brave for yourself.
I think this could work well in a storytime with elementary school students.
I think this could work well in a storytime with elementary school students.
May 10, 2025
A wonderful story that maybe a legend/folk tail? It's about a small boy who is asked to go get the family ox, but is told over and over he is too small to do things. When he finds the ox, the two work together to get home, and the boy discovers that he isn't too small to figure things out and find away of his own. A nice lesson and the illustrations are gorgeous. They are like old Asian prints and paintings.
May 18, 2025
Beautifully rendered illustrations pair with just the right amount of text to tell the story of our young friend, Ah-Fu, who's tasked with bringing home his grandpa's ox. But Ah-Fu is afraid. Does he overcome his fears, journey out alone, find the ox, and get it to accompany him back home? You'll have to read it and see. Feels and reads like a classic; a new picture book favorite.
Themes: animals, Chinese folktale/culture
Ages: K-3rd grade
Pub year: 2025
Themes: animals, Chinese folktale/culture
Ages: K-3rd grade
Pub year: 2025
January 26, 2026
A boy is asked to bring the ox home, but is warned that he isn't big enough to ride, pull, or lead it from behind. The boy is nervous, but has to be brave when the ox claims to be scared. While I love the illustrations and message about growing up and being braver than you think you are, I worry about the message that you should ignore the advice of adults when they tell you that you are still too little to do something.
May 2, 2025
I was lured by the water color illustrations. The style of the lettering of the title is like a stamp I remember seeing as a child. It all reminds me of my culture and childhood. It's a cute story about childhood courage, building confidence, and the adults and animals that believe in the little boy.
August 15, 2025
Beautifully illustrated story of a little boy learning to be an oxherdsman and learning that he is big enough and smart enough to make decisions, when confronted with obstacles 'bigger than his size allows' that he can make wise decisions guide the oxen home.
The illustrations are beautifully drawn, delicate and atmospheric.
The illustrations are beautifully drawn, delicate and atmospheric.
August 21, 2025
A young boy is tasked with bringing the family ox home, but on his way is discouraged by various creatures telling him he's not really big enough to do this or that part of the job.
But once he encounters the ox, he rises to the occasion one obstacle at a time as he herds the ox home.
A beautifully illustrated lesson in building people up instead of telling them what they can't do.
But once he encounters the ox, he rises to the occasion one obstacle at a time as he herds the ox home.
A beautifully illustrated lesson in building people up instead of telling them what they can't do.
September 18, 2025
This is probably a touch too long and pictures just a touch too detailed to make this good for a storytime, but it would be great for one-on-one: both to pore over the beautiful pictures and to discuss what the boy is going through. Is he big enough to take on the responsibility of bringing the ox in from the forest? Issues of trying despite your doubts, bravery, imagination and persistence.
June 28, 2025
I love this, mostly for the illustrations, but the text and it's placement never interefers with the illustrations. I've learned so much about looking at illustrations and design from the CBC bookclub. Thanks, y'all.
November 5, 2025
The illustrations are gorgeous and vivid, and show the boy’s imaginative nature. I laughed out loud at the page where he first meets the ox, and they are just looking at each other from each side of the spread. The story is fanciful and fun and inspiring.
November 30, 2025
Nice story- would be good to have students predict what they think will happen before you get into the details of the journey. The cover is in the style of the artwork, which is lovely and muted, but I wish it were a bit more colorful, like the inside pages.
September 1, 2024
Gorgeous and magical and just the right amount of story to message ratio. Kids will find it relatable and wish for an ox of their own. Oxen will wish they had an Ah-fu. Love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews