The lonely giant

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 29, 2016

Review

A poignant story about the importance of taking care of the environment as well as the importance of friendship and freedom. The story centers on a "typical" giant, who spends his days pulling up trees and smashing up mountains for pleasure. Unfortunately, after doing this for years, the forest is greatly diminished and becomes quieter and quieter as all the birds and animals finally have to leave their home. The giant finds himself getting lonelier and lonelier until one day he hears the beautiful song of a little yellow bird. He catches the bird and cages her so he can hear her sing all the time. But the sad caged bird doesn't sing so the giant finally sets her free. Missing the freed bird, the giant realizes he must fix what he has broken so that he can once again have trees, plants and birds back in his world. Slowly over the years, the forest returns along with all the birds and animals and the giant isn't lonely anymore.The illustrations done in acrylic, watercolor and colored pencil are very soft and gentle and showcase the natural beauty of nature. An thoughtful book for both children and adult readers.

Overall Book Score: very good