The Missing Piece Meets the Big O: Roll by Yourself

When my sister and I were growing up, we loved to check out Shel Silverstein’s poetry books. Where the Sidewalk End, A Light in the Attic and Falling Up were frequently read and giggled over with their ridiculous poems and absurd illustrations. And recently, within the past two years, I discovered Runny Babbit, where the first letter of many of the words swap places with letters in other words. I had a lot of fun reading parts out loud to my husband and son, but I did skip it for a more toddler friendly book at the time. And then, of course, there is The Giving Tree, about a person who grows from childhood to old age, always taking advantage of his good friend the tree. I refuse to allow that book in my house, it is on the top of my “No” list. But, the one Shel Silverstein book that I actually found enough value to buy was The Missing Piece Meets the Big O”. I didn’t buy it for my toddler, though. I bought it for myself in my twenties.

A friend who was a psychology major told me about the book. Not to say she thought I needed to learn anything from it. It is actually her favorite book. It is recommended for ages 9 to 12. But I do think it can easily be given to teenagers and adults, as well, since the lesson in it is short and sweet. The book is definitely not made for toddlers or babies, with no bright pictures to capture their attention. And the story is too long, at 104 pages. Although this book does sit on my son’s bookshelf and I will read it aloud at times. It wouldn’t hurt for him to learn the message of the book subconsciously.

MESSAGE:The book teaches that you don’t need anyone else to complete you. Think about all those high school girls who must always have a boyfriend. Or the teenager who can only go someplace with a friend, not be alone. It also touches on the message that people will grow and change, and that’s okay.

ABOUT: See, in the story there is a missing piece. He looks like a triangle. He is looking for someone that he fits with. So there is a square that is missing a triangle piece and picks him up, but they don’t roll together. There are plenty of circle-like pieces that are missing triangles – but the missing piece is either too big or too small. Some try to hold onto the missing piece backwards, some put him on a pedestal and leave him there. The missing piece tries to get flashy, but scares away the shy possibilities. Then the missing piece finds someone he fits with. And they roll happily along until the missing piece grows. That almost-circle is not happy that the missing piece grows and leaves him. Then the missing piece meets the Big O – a complete circle. Here is a tidbit of the writing:

”I think you are the one I have been waiting for,” said the missing piece. “Maybe I am your missing piece.”
“But I am not missing a piece,” said the Big O. “There is no place you would fit.”
“That it too bad,” said the missing piece. “I was hoping that perhaps I could roll with you…”
“You cannot roll with me,” said the Big O, “but perhaps you can roll by yourself.”

See, the Big O did not want to roll with someone who thought they were just a missing piece. But the Big O motivated the missing piece to try rolling by himself. And the missing piece tried, and at first he flopped, then he began to roll in a bumpy fashion, then it was smooth sailing. And at the very end he meets back up with the Big O and they roll together.

The illustrations are simply black and white sketches. Of circles missing pieces, the triangular missing piece, the complete circle for the Big O, and every now and then he adds details, like neon signs (sans color) when the missing piece tries to be flashy. Or flowers when the missing piece tries to be more attractive. Simple illustrations for a deep story.

OVERALL: I hope you see the possibilities of this story. And I hope you understand why a psychology major had it pegged as her favorite story. It is worth putting on your bookshelf if you need a little pick-me-up in knowing that all you need to get through life is yourself. And that you don’t need anyone to complete you. You don’t need to be flashy or to change yourself or to subject yourself to being judged by others. It is okay to grow, don’t let anyone stifle you. I highly recommend this simple “children’s book” for everyone from ages tweens to adults.