The Day I Met BigFoot: And Made a New Friend (Happy Fox Books) A Sweet Tale about Friendship to Teach Kids To Be Proud of Who They Are and That It's Okay to Be Different

by D.L. Miller

Your favorite mysterious creature is back in this charming children's book about friendship! Normally shy and reclusive, BigFoot spends his days in the deep dark woods, rarely spotted by humankind. But one day while walking along a wooded path, a friendly human child finds BigFoot and encourages him to stop hiding! After telling BigFoot he should be brave and proud of who he is and that it's okay to be different, a new friendship is formed. Future adventures together will surely be had! With charming illustrations and a heartwarming lesson, you'll get to see a side of BigFoot you've never seen before! From D.L. Miller, author and illustrator of BigFoot Goes on Vacation and BigFoot Visits the Big Cities of the World , The Day I Met BigFoot is a charming children's book for kids 5 - 12 that teaches important morals about friendship and self-confidence.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

Published August 12, 2025

Reviews

[Theediscerning · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rhymed narrative of a kid who goes for a hike in the woods by himself, but ends up much less alone than you might think, when he discovers a mahoosive footprint and gets to befriend Bigfoot. The narrative is a touch awkward, when they prove they can accept each other and then immediately have to part as the sun is going down – the hike was started early, so it's been a very short day. But then perhaps the kid shouldn't have been hiking through the forest alone. The rhyming isn't too bad, until it does crunch to a halt at one failing couplet, before resuming well. I did think the visuals were a touch unable to keep the scale of the footprints with the feet that caused them, but on the whole this was done successfully – and the pages are ever-lively, with cats in the lad's home, and rabbits and cardinals watching him in the woods.

Ultimately, this is fine, but not great. The two characters infer a difference, when that is more or less that the two are individuals and loners ("I'd rather be lonesome than misunderstood…" indeed), which of course invites the kid to be all cloyingly woke and saccharine about the mis-maligned monster. While books like this that prove being your own true self is best are ten-a-penny, this probably won't survive to thrive on such an overburdened shelf, but it's not worth completely dismissing. Three and a bit stars.

[Sara Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

** “The giant footprint was a mystery no more, towering high was a monster, for sure!” **

D.L. Miller shows the power of courage and friendship in “The Day I Met BigFoot: And Met a New Friend.”

A young boy takes a journey on a beautiful day, finding, birds, trees and butterflies, enjoying everything he finds around him … until he finds the strangest thing he’s ever seen. A giant footprint!

But even though he is afraid, he asks the creature where he came from and what his name is, showing kindness and friendship.

Told in simply rhyme form and featuring fun, bright and colorful illustrations by Helen Flook, the story shows us that we are all different yet the same, and that we can all be stars.

“The Day I Met BigFoot: And Met a New Friend,” which is due out Aug. 12, will quickly become a family favorite.

Five stars out of five.

Happy Fox Books provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

[Joey Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Happy Fox Press / Fox Chapel Books and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

A young boy wakes up and goes on his usual a nature walk, but on this day he sees the biggest print in the floor he’d ever seen. It leads him to a new unexpected friend, Bigfoot.

I like that the young boy was only afraid for a few seconds and as soon as he actually sees Bigfoot and started talking to him, he was completely fine, just happy to be a friend.

I loved that it showcased a child enjoying nature and all it had to offer, knowing all the different prints in the grass, I loved the friendship that was formed and how he was encouraging and kind towards Bigfoot saying he needed to shine, it was really sweet.

The illustrations were cute, they showed off a really adorable style of Bigfoot, he wasn’t scary at all, you could see lots of birds and other animals on each page which was really sweet to see, they worked will with the story.

[Laura]

A picture book about making new friends and the most famous cryptid that blends themes of nature, exploration, being brave, and being proud to be different. A decent story is paired with nostalgic, adorable artwork. As a major cryptid fan, picture books can be hard to find so if you have little monster hunter, this book is a solid choice.

The rhyming verse is cute and would make a great storytime for any kids that love Big Foot and other monsters.

Also the publisher should update the Good Reads cover because it is not reflective of Helen Flook's artwork, which honestly made the book worthwhile. Her style gives it a classic picture book or cartoon feel, like School House Rock or William Steig, but does not feel dated. Her pastoral forest and woodland creatures elevate the nature walk aspect. And her Big Foot is ADORABLE!!! The art saved a decent story that otherwise felt a little awkward or stilted in places.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The world is a great place where no one should hide, being a bit different should fill you with pride."
A wonderful rhyming story.
The illustrations by Helen Flook are simple and fun.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, waiting room or your local public library! Pub Date: Aug 12, 2025
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected proof galley from Fox Chapel Publishing via NetGalley. ***** review #goodreads #storygraph #NetGalley #librarything @foxchapelpublishing @waterstones @childrensbookcouncil #TheDayIMetBigFoot by D.L. Miller #HappyFoxBooks
#KidsBookstagram #kidlit #RaiseAReader #MiddleGrade #Humour #childrensbookillustration #family @childrensbookcouncil #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk @indigo #BAM #B&N @kobo
#making friends #HelenFlookIllustrator #beingdifferent #afraidoftheunknown

[Cheryl Malandrinos · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Day I Met Bigfoot: And Made a New Friend by D.L. Miller is a sweet rhyming story that celebrates differences.

On a bright, sunny morning, a boy rises from bed, opens the door, and journeys down the path where he meets an unexpected new friend. The reader follows him along, enjoying a lovely stroll in nature, which is interrupted when he stumbles upon a large footprint.

The Day I Met Bigfoot is adorable. Young readers bebop along as they read Miller’s engaging, rhythmic text. The author masterfully weaves into the stanzas a story of how open children can be to new friends and how important it is to love who you are. The pale blues, pinks, and yellows of Helen Fook’s illustrations are a smart choice to keep the feeling light from beginning to end, despite the boy’s initial fear after stumbling upon the footprint.

This is one of the sweetest stories I’ve ever read. This is a book kids will want to read over and over.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mother of two here, and we enjoyed The Day I Met BigFoot, by DL Miller! The story follows an adorable boy as he embraces the beautiful day and sets out on an adventure through the woods, only to come across a huge footprint. Scared at first, BigFoot is quick to introduce himself and reveal that he isn’t scary! The story flowed well, and a rhyming book is always a hit in our house. As a mother, I loved the friendly reminders to “be brave” and “be yourself”. The illustrations were beautiful and reminded me of Roald Dahl’s illustrator, Quentin Blake. The story kept everyone’s attention, and it was perfect for my 8-year-old to read to my 5-year-old. I would definitely recommend this book to an elementary-aged family.

Thank you to NetGalley and Fox Chapel for this eARC!

[Chapter Chirp (Jessica)]

ARC Review-
“The Day I Met BigFoot” is a children’s picture book featuring an adventurous child who discovers and meets the lonesome yet very charming Bigfoot. This short but sweet story made the perfect bedtime read with my little one. It shared lessons of kindness, celebrating differences, and friendship. The rhythm, and meter of the writing flowed with ease and was quite enjoyable. Also, my child and I both absolutely adored the stylistic nature of the illustrations and the thoughtful use of the color palette choices. Overall, will be recommending to others with littles and of course anyone who enjoys the beloved Bigfoot!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that this book by D.L. Miller is a pleasant enough story for all to read. The book is about a young boy who wakes up one sunny morning to go on a journey to make new friends in the world around him and his home. Inside the book it talks about your fears, being brave, differences in one's appearances, and being able to love yourself better. This is a cute book for kids and anyone else who likes to read about going on adventures with bigfoot. I think whoever reads this children's book will like the rhyming of the words which makes it more fun to enjoy its reading style. Also, the illustrations in the book are amusing, colorful, and entertaining!

*Thanks to Booktrovert and Happy Fox Books for an ARC copy in exchange for my honest opinion & my review of this book!

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute! Loved the illustrations - they were reminding me a bit of the Roald Dahl books I used to read (let me note - the eARC I read was a different cover/inside than what is listed currently as the book picture on here). Also loved the story -- I am a sucker for cryptid kids books and love books including nature as my son is a big fan of being outdoors so this is one I'll probably end up getting for him down the road. I loved the cute rhyming and the "be brave" and giving people a chance before being scared/disliking them.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in return for an honest review!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated rhyming picture book featuring a little boy meet Bigfoot! Shy, timid Bigfoot is coaxed out of his hiding spot by and adventurous boy who asks to become his friend. Bigfoot's facial expressions and body language tell you as much as the fun, rhyming text about his shyness and feeling badly because people consider him different. The little boy encourages Bigfoot to be brave and comfortable as he is, not how others expect him to be.

This would be a great addition to any child's personal or classroom library.

Thank you, Booktrovert and Happy Fox Books for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[IaMeganF aka Booksinthebackseat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, my heart! This sweet rhyming story made for such a cozy bedtime read while babysitting. It follows an adventurous little boy who stumbles upon a huge footprint in the woods. At first, he’s nervous—but then comes the big (and totally charming) reveal: it’s Bigfoot! And spoiler alert… he’s not scary, just different.

The gentle rhymes, the gorgeous illustrations, and the beautiful reminders to be brave and be yourself made this one a total win. With themes of kindness, friendship, and celebrating what makes us unique, this story was short, sweet, and full of heart.

I’m definitely adding it to my rec list for parents, teachers, and any Bigfoot believers out there. 💚👣✨

[Annie Brechbuhler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Day I Met BigFoot is a sweet story about a boy who encounters a new friend when out for a walk. BigFoot tells him that he usually hides, because he is different. Although the boy is scared at first, once he realizes that BigFoot is also scared, they share a bond and become fast friends. The rhyming cadence and nice illustrations add to the story's allure. This book would be appropriate for kindergarten or first grade classrooms.

Thank you to Fox Chapel Publishing and NetGalley for an advance reader's copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

[Kat (kvcatnip) · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I want to thank the author and publisher for letting me read an early copy of this book!

This is such a sweet story about friendship, adventure, and ignoring what others think about you. I love the way Miller portrays Bigfoot as a lonely forest creature, and I especially love the bravery of our main character.

As an educator who often finds ways to incorporate Bigfoot into my teaching, I've already pre-ordered this to have its special place on my shelf!

[Megan Macomb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute story about coming across evidence of Bigfoot and what feeling scared is like. All resolves at the end and it turns out Bigfoot isn't so scary after all. I liked the descriptions of what being scared might actually feel like rather than just saying the character feels scared. Cute illustrations too. Who doesn't love Bigfoot?? My kids enjoyed reading it.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Happy Fox Books through Booktrovert (NetGalley).
Charming story of a young boy who likes to explore. He stumbles on Big Foot and reaches out to be a friend. The two learn about each other and develop trust and friendship. The illustrations capture the forest and the characters to connect with the story.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Day I Met Bigfoot is a lovely rhyme book celebrating our differences and the need to be brave in the world. Very sweet with lovely colorful illustrations!

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute