“The world is full of mysteries if you just pay attention.”
Deep in the cold North Woods, in the back of Widdershins Cavern, lives a young Sasquatch (better known as a squidge) named Hugo. Hugo may have some large feet, but he has an even larger heart for adventure. There’s just one problem: the Sasquatch community’s Most Important Rule is to never be seen by Humans. Still, he asks his family all about the Big Wide World and dreams of sailing to a mysterious destination.
“Sometimes I wish I were a Human.”
Are Humans really all that bad? Hugo shocks his teacher and classmates when he accidentally comes face to face with one during a round of Hide and Go Sneak.
Boone is freckly young boy who makes a wish on a dandelion puff and locks eyes with the creature he’s been exploring every corner of the North Woods to find… Bigfoot himself! The surprise meeting leaves a lasting impression.
Hugo, feeling misunderstood and lonely, sails his toy boat out on the stream in his bedroom and into the Big Wide World along with a wish. Lo and behold, his boat returns with a toy from the Human world! Boone the Human and Hugo the squidge become secret pen pals— thus launching a sweet and tender friendship. What could Boone and Hugo possibly have in common? They both share gentle, caring, and curious natures; and they both have hearts meant for adventure!
“Well, maybe it’s just that your feet are too little.”
Students and families will race through the pages of Big Foot and Little Foot, pausing only to admire the creative maps and illustrations added by Felicita Sala. This story is a wonderful jumping-off point for hungry readers, as it’s the first in a five-book series. The tale is approachable in length and language, and Ellen Potter thoughtfully prevents Sasquatches from being too scary. (Squidges are cute!)
This book is about Sasquatches, but it’s also about humanity, treating people and creatures with an open mind, the joyful discovery of new friendship, and what it’s like to be a kid with so much to explore. Once your community gets to know Boone and Hugo, they’ll be left with this vital message—the size of your feet has nothing at all to do with how big your dreams are.
