The Giant King

K-Gr 3—Rabbie, a young wood carver whose creations reflect what can be, visits a Scottish town near the king's castle. A mighty giant destroys the marketplace as the people angrily shake their fists and call him harsh names. Rabbie believes the giant behaves like an animal because he is treated like one. What if he were treated like a king? Liking Rabbie's idea, the old king orders his people to do just that. The children shower him with blossoms from the treetops, and their parents give him food and drink. With pipes and fiddles they play for him and dance. When the giant falls asleep, they cover him with their shawls and coats. The next day, Rabbie gives the giant a wooden carving of himself sitting on a throne, and out of bluebells the children make a crown. The giant leads a joyous procession to the castle. The old king orders the people punished for their treachery. The giant falls to his knees and offers his own life for his friends. Recognizing true nobility, the old king gives the giant a home, and eventually the people make him their king. Kathleen Pelley's lilting Scottish voice brings her story (Child and Family Press, 2003) to life, transporting listeners to a Scotland long ago and far away. Children will learn just how powerful kindness can be in their relations with one another.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN