Big Foot and Little Foot

Big Foot and Little Foot #1

by Ellen Potter, Felicita Sala (Illustrations)

Hugo is a young Sasquatch who longs for adventure. Boone is a young boy who longs to see a Sasquatch. When their worlds collide, they become the unlikeliest pair of best friends in Big Foot and Little Foot from award-winning author Ellen Potter and illustrator Felicita Sala.

A Junior Library Guild Selection
New York Public Library’s Children’s 100 Books for Reading and Sharing

At the Academy for Curious Squidges, Hugo learns all manner of Sneaking—after all, the most important part of being a Sasquatch is staying hidden from humans. But Hugo dreams of roaming free in the Big Wide World rather than staying cooped up in caves. When he has an unexpected run-in with a young human boy, Hugo seizes the opportunity for a grand adventure.

Soon, the two team up to search high and low for mythical beasts, like Ogopogos and Snoot-Nosed Gints. Through discovering these new creatures, together, Big Foot and Little Foot explore the ins and outs of each other’s very different worlds but learn that, deep down, maybe they’re not so different after all.

The Big Foot and Little Foot
Big Foot and Little Foot
The Monster Detector
The Squatchicorns
The Bog Beast
The Gremlin’s Shoes

Genres: Fantasy, Childrens, Middle Grade, Friendship, Adventure, Fiction, Juvenile

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Ellen Potter is the author of many children's books, including the Olivia Kidney series, Pish Posh, SLOB, and The Kneebone Boy. Her non-fiction book, Spilling Ink; a Young Writer’s Handbook, was co-authored by Anne Mazer

Olivia Kidney was awarded Child magazine’s “Best Children’s Book Award” and was selected as one of the “Books of the Year” by Parenting magazine.

SLOB is on more than 10 state book award lists and was selected for the Junior Library Guild.

Spilling Ink; A Young Writer’s Handbook was a New York Public Library Top 100 Children’s Book for 2010 and a Children’s Literature Assembly 2011 Notable Book.

Her newest series is Piper Green and the Fairy Tree.

Reviews

[Paul Hankins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had originally pulled this book from the envelope and put it right on my reading stack as this IS an Ellen Potter book.

Look. . .Ellen Potter writes good books for kids. And in my humble opinion, she is probably one of the more quiet, under-celebrated gifts to children's literature right now. We can name a lot of names in the business and I hope that Ellen Potter is on your reading radar and one of those names that you share with your readers and your colleagues looking for good books for children.

But, back to this book. I have had colleagues recently looking for those "chapter books" for the younger reader. I thought about the layout of Bigfoot and Littlefoot and thought, "This is the book they are really looking for, but it isn't out yet."

And this is where I often come in (cue the music).

With larger texts and illustrations by Felicia Sala to guide the reader, the format for the book is perfect for that 6-9 reader group.

In her author's notes that accompanied the book, Ellen talks about how "intercultural mistrust" had been on her mind quite a bit as she began approaching this story of a Sasquatch who attends school with his friends (and the characters here are delightful and the long-suffering teacher is not to be missed for her reactions to her students, in particular Malcolm) and learns to keep himself hidden from humans. There are drills that address this very need.

And all of the students are progressing nicely through their studies until the day that Hugo, a Sasquatch, laughs at Boone, a human. A note is sent home with Hugo to discuss his infraction and this sets Hugo to think and to wish that he could go out into the larger world to explore the places that humans can go.

Through a series of interactions that happen aboard a small wooden boat sent to sail back and forth over a river, Hugo and Boone use letters (bringing in a genre that may actually be unfamiliar to young readers so don't just gloss over these) to learn more about one another to include the use of nicknames to describe who we are and how this can be hurtful whether intended or not.

When Hugo attempts to right a misunderstanding between him and Boone, an adventure on the river occurs and a story begins to take shape.

The promise of the 1 on the book's spine promises that this story might become a part of a series and this makes my reader heart happy for the reader's hearts I might reach by sharing this book with colleagues.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mysterious creatures are high interest for my audience, especially stories about the Sasquatch, or "Big Foot"according to the humans in this story. Hugo a young Sasquatch lives in the Widdershin's Cavern with his family, all of the Sasquatches live under the protection of this large cavern secure from the "Big Wide World" where humans live. They have everything they need in their community, a school called the Academy for Curious Squidges, (squidge is the term for a young Sasquatch), a general store, and bakery, barber shop, Post Office, toy store, etc. Hugo has big dreams even though all of the squidges MUST stay in the cavern, except on special occasions when their teacher allows them to go into the "Big Wide World" to play Hide and Go Sneak. Hugo is not like the other children who follow the rules, he wants to become a sailor and sail the Big Wide World. This might be possible with the help of a "forbidden" human boy. Told with humor and sprinkled with whimsical illustrations that bring this delightfully clever tale to life, this is a the first title in a series that kids will enjoy.

[Autumn Rose Dearborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this book aloud to my 8 year old son. We started in 3 days ago. I absolutely loved it! I thought it was so cute! My son enjoyed it, it held his attention, but he didn’t love it as much as I did and rates it a 4/5. We bought the rest of the series and will be continuing throughout the summer.

[Lauren Millard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The kids really enjoyed this. This was a cute little story and I’m looking forward to reading more of the books in this series

[Amy Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet series to read with my kiddo.

[Emily Christensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been reading a lot of ya/juvenile literature lately to find good book to read to my kids and this book has been my favorite one to date. Wholesome with some adventure and whimsy.

[Lila Roeder · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was a short and sweet book good for if you are bored!

[Luana Rizea · Rating 5 out of 5]

O poveste drăguță, o prietenie între un "monstru" și un alt "monstru". Ce se întâmplă când avem idei preconcepute și credem fără a cerceta. 😊

[Erica Sonzogni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adventures and an unlikely friendship are the themes in the chapter book Big Foot and Little Foot. Hugo is a squidge, also known as a young Sasquatch, that lives in Widdershins Cavern. The Sasquatch community must stay within the Central Cavern District due to the fear of the outside world and how they would be treated by humans if they were ever exposed. Nonetheless, Hugo is intrigued by the Big Wide World. While exploring, Hugo happens upon a little boy human named Boone. They begin a friendship through letter writing and shortly Hugo goes on an adventure to find him again. At the end, Boone ventures back to Widdershins Cavern with Hugo to meet the other Sasquatches. Even though this is a risky action, Hugo advocates for his new friend and the entire community accepts him.

Big Foot and Little Foot encompasses multiple messages for children glean as they read. The Sasquatch community holds a lot of judgment towards humans, mainly over the fear of the unknown. A few wise Sasquatches, though, would remind Hugo that just like in their society, some humans are good while others are bad. Strong vocabulary is present throughout the book; Boone teaches Hugo words like “cryptozoologist”. Additionally, there are many instances where children can learn about how to socially interact with others. For example, Hugo knew that Boone misspelled the name of his boat, yet did not mention it to him. Another time, Boone apologized to Hugo for mistrusting him. Both characters help each other feel comfortable when they are not confident in many instances throughout the book. As for the writing, the font changes at different points which would intrigue young readers. For example, when Boone and Hugo wrote letters back and forth, the font would change depending on who was writing the letter. As you can see, Big Foot and Little Foot are two unimaginable friends who teach each other many unforgettable life lessons. Children will enjoy learning about the main characters in this story and will want to read more of their adventures in the next book in the series.

[Cheriee Weichel · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can you not love a book where children trade monster cards for stink sap and the school is organized like this?
“There were three classrooms in the Academy. Classroom One was for the younger squidges. Classroom Two was for squidges who are old enough to know better. Classroom Three was for squidges who thought they knew better than everyone else but really didn’t.”
Hugo is one of these young squidges in classroom One. On a sneaking expedition with his class he sees a human. By chance this same human, Boone, and Hugo end up writing letters to each other and eventually become friends.

Ellen Potter has created a world I want to be part of. I especially want to eat like a Sasquatch: hazel nut pancakes, wild mint juice, acorn butter and raspberry cream sandwiches, walnut pie, mushroom casserole, acorn butter cookies, gooseberry pie, walnut rumples, huckleberry trifles, and rosehip crunchers! There is a whole Sasquatch culture with baby Sasquatches called chuddles. That’s going to be my new word for my grand babies!
Ellen Potter never lets her readers down! I can’t wait to read the further adventures of Hugo and Boone.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this story of young Hugo, the focus is on a town of Sasquatch who live in a cave in the woods. They rarely leave the cave for the woods outside for fear of running into human beings. But Hugo is curious and wants to explore the outside world. When he sends a carved boat out of the cave through a hole in the wall, he doesn't expect it to come back with a message. And he really doesn't expect his new found pen pal to be a human boy. But after the boy calls him a liar for claiming to be a sasquatch, Hugo sets out to prove the boy wrong leading to a connection that the others aren't quite ready for. This is a delightfully adventurous new series for young readers who enjoy tales of friendship and exploration. It's also a tale of learning to reach beyond the known and try something new.

[Lisa Welch · Rating 3 out of 5]

May 2022 Update: This one is always a hit with the kids so I will have to up my rating to 4 stars. I do like it for all the reasons listed below, but the kid factor always figures into my ratings of middle grade.

3.5 stars. A sweet book about friendship and how our preconceived perceptions of people can be wrong. Will be using as a read aloud for 3rd graders with the hope that they will like the Sasquatch element.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was... fine. I'm not sure I was wowed by it but it was gentle and positive friendship book. (Is it weird that my favorite part about the book is that the Sasquatch has a tiny little stream running through his bedroom?) Anyway, this would be a good early chapter book for an independent reader or as a beginner read-aloud. Plenty of illustrations, and not scary, for sensitive little ones.

[Amy Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED as a read aloud. Short chapters. Quirky characters and a simple premise that is easy to follow. I even enjoyed the little surprises within the storyline. Would love to see this continue on as a series.

[Kelly Boyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cute! I plan to read this to my 2nd graders next school year. They will love it!❤️

[Elvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, short novel ideal for young readers. Even for certain adults, it will be amusing.

It was a quick easy read with short chapters. It was imaginative and fun with this creation of the Sasquatch world. Having a human boy meet one of the Sasquatch kids made for an intriguing story. But within that was a lesson of tolerance, overcoming fear and ignorance, and the beauty of friendship between those who are different from one another. Maybe this wasn't the most original of tales, but it was presented well and its messages were something that could always be expressed.

This book felt like an introduction to a much larger story and yes, it is the first of a series. So this book had more exposition and set up. It felt more like a first act of something big. Yet there was enough here to be interesting, fascinating, and complete on its own. But from here, readers should be getting more action of the two titular characters and really see their relationship get richer.

Elevating the book was the adorable black and white pictures. They were enjoyable to look at with a pleasing illustrative style of its own. They added to the telling of the tale without overshadowing the words. It complemented the story quite well.

Just a solid book for young readers. It's imaginative, creative, fantastical, light-hearted, adventurous, humorous, fun, and easy to get through. It ended before I knew it. What kid wouldn't like a book with monsters and a kid discovering a strange, new world? Any Bigfoot enthusiast has to check this out.

It's a good model of something I'd like to create. I'm even intrigued to read the rest of the series and see where this goes. Heck, I want to explore more of what Ellen Potter has done.

[American Mensa · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, a young Sasquatch named Hugo wants to become a sailor, meet a human and have adventures in the Big Wide World. The problem is he knows Sasquatches can’t be seen by humans. Hugo goes to school and is taught to avoid humans. But Hugo can’t shake the feeling. He needs an adventure!

One day, Hugo carves a boat, puts it down the river and to his surprise, it comes back with a plastic human figurine toy. It must be from a human! Hugo is so excited that he carves a Sasquatch toy and sends it back on the boat. Hugo doesn’t have to wait long before he gets the boat back, this time with a note. A human boy named Boone writes to him. Hugo decides to write his own note and says that he is a Sasquatch. This is a mistake because Boone thinks Hugo is lying and is making fun of him. Boone ends the friendship. Hugo is very sad. He decides to prove he is a Sasquatch and that he was not making fun of Boone. I don’t want to tell you the ending, but you’ll like it.

I like this book. I give it 5 stars because I want adventures and I want to meet a Sasquatch too. I love to write notes to people and keep journals. I wish I had a pen pal like Hugo. He seems fun and he likes adventure as much as I do.

I think this book would be good for 5-8 year old readers. It is an easy to read chapter book that could be read by yourself or with your parents.
Review by Jack H., age 7, New Mexico Mensa

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The world is full of mysteries if you just pay attention.”

Hugo would love to see the world outside the cold North woods. He would love to see sharks, Atlantic City and Bora Bora. But Hugo is a Sasquatch and the #1 rule for a Squidge (a young Sasquatch) is to never be seen by humans.

One day, while attending the Academy for Curious Squidges, they go outside for Hide and Go Sneak time. Under the watchful eye of their teacher, Mrs. Nukluk, the squidges go out one by one to sneak over to the five hemlock trees and back without being spotted. Just as Hugo gets to the first tree, Mrs. Nukluk sounds the emergency alarm indicating that a human is approaching. As the human gets near, Hugo can’t help it. He laughs at it. And the human sees him. Now Hugo is being ostracized by his classmates because they can no longer go outside.

Three days later, a little boat with and human figurine inside comes floating into his bedroom via the stream in his room and Hugo begins a mysterious correspondence with someone called Boone. And this will lead him on the biggest adventure of his life.

A cute friendship story for early chapter book readers.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Big Foot and Little Foot is a cute story for children showing the importance of not judging someone without actually getting to know them.

Hugo is a Sasquatch who has heard terrible things about humans, but when he finally has a chance to see one up close, he risks everything for that one peak. He is soon has a secret involving Boone, a child. As Hugo grows closer to Boone, the reader wonders what the rest of the Sasquatch will do if they see one of the humans they fear so much. Hugo and Boone have to work together to stop the stereotypes plaguing both sides.

Once you get to know someone, the differences don't seem as big, even if you are a Sasquatch and a human.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Author: Ellen Potter
Publisher: ABRAMS Kids
Publication Date: 10 Apr 2018

[Kelli Gleiner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hugo, a Squidge (young sasquatch), is extremely curious about the Big Wide World, and especially about humans. His inquisitive nature gets him into trouble when he makes eye contact with, and laughs at, a human.
Although he isn't allowed to venture back into the Big Wide World for a while, he becomes penpals with Boone, the boy he met in the woods, via a little boat that floats outside of his home inside a cave.
The world inside the cave has a school, several apartments, stores, and has a wonderful cast of Sasquatch characters.
This early-middle-grade novel will capture many young readers with its story of friendship, courage, and heart.
I am eager to see the finished artwork, as I read the ARC. My five year-old son and I enjoyed this book as a read-aloud, and we've already started re-reading it (he wouldn't allow me to pass it on to another bookseller!).

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some people claim to have seen Sasquatches, or at least evidence of them, but those sightings are rare and impossible to prove. There's a reason for that. Sasquatches are excellent at hiding and sneaking. It's even one of the main subjects their children (squidges) study in school: Hide and Go Sneak. They learn to be experts at being unseen.

Which is all well and good for avoiding awful Humans, but it also means avoiding most of the big, wide world. It means living in a cave and never having adventures, rarely even getting to venture outside at all. And young squidge Hugo longs for adventure. He dreams of seeing the world and discovering all its marvels. So when he has an accidental encounter with a young Human, he can't help but be curious. Are Humans really as bad as he has been taught? He might just find out.

A highly appealing and relatable story for young readers.

[Laura N · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this copy from the publisher at TLA in April 2018.
Hugo lives in apartment 1G with his parents and his older sister. Everyday, he and his friends go to school, where they practice not being seen by humans. This is because Hugo and his friends are Sasquatch. Or, to be more pexact, they are 'squidges'--young Sasquatch. One day, Hugo is seen by a human boy named Boone and the expereience is life changing for them both.
Big Foot and Little Foot is a cute beginner chapter book about friendship and adventure. The Sasquatch 'secret life' is fun take on the elusive creature. The book is the first in a series, so young Bigfoot enthusists will have more to look forward to.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fun 2nd/3rd-grade cryptozoology fantasy introduces us to a whole community of sasquatches living in the woods who fear humans and live their lives separate and in hiding. One little one, Hugo, dreams of more. Through a series of events (involving having a creek run through his bedroom, awesome!) he begins writing letters with a human child and wants to be friends although everyone warns him against it. A beautiful little story that encourages us to reach out to people even when they or their lives or culture are different.

I like the words, and food, and culture that Potter creates for the sasquatch community- it is very woodsy and cozy.

[Margaret Boling · Rating 5 out of 5]

8/15/2018 ~~ An amazing friendship story with an insider/outsider perspective. Kids will love the idea of making friends with an imaginary creature; they'll also get a kick out of the ways the sasquatch's experiences with school and parents is so similar to our own. Adults will appreciate the ways in which our own biases prevent kids from new experiences. Big Foot, otherwise known as Hugo, desperately wants to know more about humans. His adventure leads him beyond his community's stereotypes and enables him to expand everyone's experience.

Absolutely lovely.

[Moonkiszt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Featured in grandma reads sessions - chapter book.

Hugo feels limited in his sasquatch community. He reaches out, and takes a chance on meeting a human even though that is not an acceptable activity among his kind. From there the adventure begins, and best friends discover each other. They have the opportunity to observe aspects of their own lives that are precious and desirable, and aspects that the other has that they appreciate and want for themselves. A party is had, and the promise "to be continued" keeps my crowd happy!

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a middle grade chapter book about Hugo, a young Sasquatch who accidentally meets Boone, a human boy, in the woods. Through misgivings, misunderstandings, and adventures, they become friends. This is a great story for young readers.
Chapters are: Hugo; Hair Balls; The Acedemy for Curious Squidges; Hide and go Sneak; The Human; Dead Porcupines; Big Trouble; More Bad News; Rick-a-tick-tick; Secret Project; Bigfoot; Acts of Bravery; 100% True; The Last Letter; Frog Moon Festival; Ripple Worm River; A Wild Ride; Boone; The Ogopogo; Monsters; Peepers.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait to share this one with my class. They love trading cards and in this book children trade monster cards for stink sap. It would be a great read aloud.

I think they will also love how the school is organized:

There were three classrooms in the Academy. Classroom One was for the younger squidges. Classroom Two was for squidges who are old enough to know better. Classroom Three was for squidges who thought they knew better than everyone else but really didn’t.



Totally logical!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for something easy and quick, but also hopefully humorous! This book was definitely a quick read - although it would be a good read for a transitioning reader moving from picture books to chapter books. I thought the story was very cute! I do wish Hugo and Boone (the characters on the front of the book) met earlier on in the story, but since it is a short book I'm sure they'll get more "screen-time" in follow up books in the series.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Big print and many pictures make it good for kids starting chapter books. Captured details of a Sasquatch community paint a vivid picture. Bothered me, though, that a river running through Hugo’s room could both deliver messages downstream and back again, like it was a loop at a water park. And again, that Hugo was caught in rapids going downstream but didn’t seem to have any problems w them returning upstream.

[AEK7300 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hugo, the Sasquatch, longs for an adventure in the Big Wide World, like sailing to Bora Bora or Atlantic City. But his ideas are met with diapproval and warnings of Humans, dangerous creatures that could eat or capture you. Join Hugo in Widdershins Cavern as he navigates daily life in search of something more. With a cute cast of characters including his friends at The Academy for Curious Squidges, this tale is sure to please!