FICTION

The Lonely Giant

by Sophie AMBROSE
illus. by Sophie Ambrose. 32p. Candlewick. Dec. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780763682255.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 2—When a giant's destructive behavior destroys the natural habitat of the forest animals, he finds himself alone, with only a caged yellow bird to keep him company. "Now you can sing to me whenever I want," he says. The sadness of the bird soon matches the sadness of the giant. Apologies are given and accepted, and after many years, the giant rebuilds not only his home but also the home of all the animals. Ambrose's barefooted giant resembles a tall, husky man. His clothes are neat, and he likes to drink tea and carve wooden animals. The acrylic, watercolor, and colored pencil illustrations, which show how the giant uses his strength in a positive way to help others, reinforce the idea that when we are not aware of what we are doing, the consequences can be long-lasting.
VERDICT It's wonderful to see the friendlier side of a giant character. A fun addition.
Reviewed by Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, Alta.
A giant spends his days "smashing and mashing mountains" and yanking up trees until his forest is so decimated that there are no animals left. After realizing his folly, he gradually rebuilds the forest. The story is simple but not simplistic thanks to the ruminative mixed-media art, which shows a gentle giant learning a big lesson from a tiny yellow bird [Jan FtG].
 , Nov 01, 2016

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