Mr Big by Ed Vere

Poor Mr Big, he’s so big and scary-looking that when he gets on the bus everyone gets off. This makes him unhappy and lonely as no one sees the real him.

One day, he sees an old piano in a shop window; it also looks unhappy and alone, so he buys it and begins to play. The notes of Mr Big’s music drift into the crowded city night and everyone is enchanted – who is this wonderful musician? Mr Big gets invited to join a band and suddenly, in his element, the real Mr Big shines through.

With its gruff hero, vibrant, strong colours, bold design and spare text, this story about looking beyond appearances has a satisfying punchy simplicity and jazzy feel.