A huge, mysterious iron man stands at the top of a cliff, surveying the ocean. His eyes glow white, red, infrared. Then, he lifts one enormous foot...
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reviews
Dec 09, 2011
Contains Spoilers
1. Science Fiction
2. The Iron Giant tells the story of a giant made of iron, who after making peace with local farmers, manages to save the world from a giant space dragon.
3. I actually loved this book up until the end. The beginning is great, where the kid feels guilty about what they do to the Iron Giant, and then when the space dragon arrives, the panic and response of Earth is realistic and interesting. Then it takes a turn that I thought More...
1. Science Fiction
2. The Iron Giant tells the story of a giant made of iron, who after making peace with local farmers, manages to save the world from a giant space dragon.
3. I actually loved this book up until the end. The beginning is great, where the kid feels guilty about what they do to the Iron Giant, and then when the space dragon arrives, the panic and response of Earth is realistic and interesting. Then it takes a turn that I thought More...
Dec 04, 2011
Lisa
rated it: 
1.Fantasy
2.In this short novel, a farming village is plagued by an Iron Giant who eats up tractors, barbed wire and anything metal. They unsuccessfully trap the giant only to be convinced by a young boy named, Hogarth that the giant is gentle and good natured. He is just hungry. When earth is invaded by a ‘space bat angel dragon’, it is the Iron Giant who cooks up a plan and saves the day.
3.A. Theme B. In a gently subtle way, this novel speaks to the theme of peace and to More...
2.In this short novel, a farming village is plagued by an Iron Giant who eats up tractors, barbed wire and anything metal. They unsuccessfully trap the giant only to be convinced by a young boy named, Hogarth that the giant is gentle and good natured. He is just hungry. When earth is invaded by a ‘space bat angel dragon’, it is the Iron Giant who cooks up a plan and saves the day.
3.A. Theme B. In a gently subtle way, this novel speaks to the theme of peace and to More...
Sep 18, 2011
I would consider the ‘The Iron Man’ by Ted Hughes as an ideal book for a range of different aged children in key stage 2. It presents good cross curricular opportunities as well as good examples of various uses of language.
The book is based around a fictional character labelled as the ‘Iron Man’ who is continually described throughout the book. From the first few paragraphs the author has already prompt readers to start thinking about the iron man by the use of rhetorical questions More...
The book is based around a fictional character labelled as the ‘Iron Man’ who is continually described throughout the book. From the first few paragraphs the author has already prompt readers to start thinking about the iron man by the use of rhetorical questions More...
Jan 28, 2011
Nesa
rated it: 
Hughes was the UK's poet laureate from 1984. He died in 1998. this book begins with an iron giant toppling down a cliff and smashing into bits. The various parts pick themselves up and look for each other and put themselves together again. He eats metal and he makes friends with a boy called Hogarth. The people of Hogarth's town trap the Iron Man in a huge pit since he's out eating all the metal in sight. The earth is then invaded by a huge space-bat-angel-dragon and it is the Iron Man that save
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Sep 19, 2009
Nikki
rated it: 
I remember this book as being magic. I know when I was quite young I had both this and The Iron Woman. I didn't like that as much. I'm doing a children's lit module this next semester, so I dug out a lot of "childhood classics" or books I adored as a kid to reread, or at least glance at. It doesn't take long to reread The Iron Man (or The Iron Giant, as my sister's copy insists).
The back calls it a modern fairytale, which is true. It's purely fantastical, with a big iron ma More...
The back calls it a modern fairytale, which is true. It's purely fantastical, with a big iron ma More...
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Aug 31, 2011
Karl
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My first experience of the Iron giant was through Brad Birds 1999 animation. Having already seen the animation I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this book followed a different storyline. The story is about an Iron giant who menaces a town through his hunger for steel but befriends a young boy called Hogarth. The Iron Giant turns from menace to hero by saving the world from The Space Bat Angel Dragon. After reading the Iron Giant I can fully understand why this book is classed as a chi
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Nov 26, 2008
Karen
rated it:
This is the book on which the movie The Iron Giant is based. It's a great short little read, with a lot of nice imagery. I hadn't realized the story was written by Ted Hughes...knowing that and having enjoyed the book definitely improves my impression of him. It's a children's book but I think can be enjoyed equally by adults. I certainly very much liked it.
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Aug 19, 2011
Gaisce
rated it: 
I bought this book based purely on how much I loved Brad Bird's movie adaptation, The Iron Giant. And I think the excellence of the film completely overshadowed this book in my readings.
Hughes has a simple, lyrical style that works for younger readers. And he divides the chapters into episodes to make it easily digestible. However, the story itself has no real depth of character, and prefers to stay detached in describing the realm of the fantastic. We never really see Hogarth and the More...
Hughes has a simple, lyrical style that works for younger readers. And he divides the chapters into episodes to make it easily digestible. However, the story itself has no real depth of character, and prefers to stay detached in describing the realm of the fantastic. We never really see Hogarth and the More...
Aug 24, 2010
Katrina
rated it:
I remember reading this book in primary school for English. I remember imagining the Iron Giant falling from the cliff, and then his body parts rejoining themselves and I also remember him eating the scrap in the junk yard.
The point is, if I can remember those details from when I was 7 or 8 then surely that shows how brilliantly written this is for children. It's a lovely, magical little read which, for me took me back to remembering those first years in school.
A great short More...
The point is, if I can remember those details from when I was 7 or 8 then surely that shows how brilliantly written this is for children. It's a lovely, magical little read which, for me took me back to remembering those first years in school.
A great short More...
Mar 07, 2011
Parka
rated it:
(More pictures at parkablogs.com)
The Iron Man is the book that inspired Brad Bird's animated film The Iron Giant.
This is a children book by Ted Hughes. The story is about how a little boy Hogarth comes to befriend the Iron Man, who eventually battles the Space Bat Angel Dragon to save the world. It's beautifully written with a visual narrative to hold the attention of any kid.
In this 2010 edition published by Walker, there are also some nice illustrations from More...
Aug 10, 2010
Debbie (Readerbuzz)
rated it:
A 1001 CBYMRBYGU. One day, an Iron Giant arrives on earth. He eats barbed wire and tractors and plows, causing problems for the farmers. Finally, the farmers devise a trap for the Iron Giant and they successfully capture him. Then an even more terrible creature arrives from space and the Iron Giant must come to the rescue.
“The peoples of the world got together. If they fed it, how could they ever satisfy it? It would never be full, and every new day it would be as hungry as ever. How More...
“The peoples of the world got together. If they fed it, how could they ever satisfy it? It would never be full, and every new day it would be as hungry as ever. How More...
Sep 03, 2011
بنصيحة من دكتور الانجليزي قرأت هذه القصة لكي أتغلب على عقدة قراءة الكتب الانجليزية وأحصل على بعض المهارات والمفردات والأسلوب الأدبي المبسط في كتابة القصة، القصة خاصة بالأطفال لكنها غنية بالمفردات التي تستخدم للوصف والتعبير ولا تؤثر كثيراً في فهمك للقصة إذا لم تعرف معناها. اكتسبت ثقة في نفسي بعد قراءة هذه القصة وأود أن أنطلق نحو الكتب الانجليزية البسيطة كمرحلة تالية.
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Jun 08, 2009
mrjasonedward
rated it:
A few years ago I was at a teacher's workshop where we read the first few pages of this story. I was hypnotized. Ever since, I've had my eyes out for it and even planned to order it from Amazon. As luck would have it, I was at ISB last week and noticed this little gem at a book sale in the library.
This short 63-page book is magical. I especially loved the first chapter. Hughes writes poetically and brings the Iron Man alive for us. It sounds like poetry. It sounds like a fairy tale. More...
This short 63-page book is magical. I especially loved the first chapter. Hughes writes poetically and brings the Iron Man alive for us. It sounds like poetry. It sounds like a fairy tale. More...
Aug 15, 2011
Laura
rated it:
A quaint little story about the adventures of the Iron Man. He is at first captured and buried alive by humans after they become annoyed at him for eating all their metal. But after breaking out of his underground prison, they agree that he can situate himself at a scrap metal yard, out of the way, removing all their unwanted machinery. However, he makes a name for himself when a dragon the size of Australia comes to earth to eat everything in existence and the Iron Man defeats him. He is awarde
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Sep 11, 2009
Shivering William
rated it:
Ears look weird on robots. I much prefer the modern day sci-fi variety: sleek-skulled but still aurally equipped.
And that's basically how I feel about this book when compared to the movie, arguably the best cartoon ever made. There's something classier about the latter, it feels right, makes more sense.
The only thing missing from the movie is the angel-moth-bat-dragon (the actual name in the book) literally the size of Australia. But that can be excused.
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And that's basically how I feel about this book when compared to the movie, arguably the best cartoon ever made. There's something classier about the latter, it feels right, makes more sense.
The only thing missing from the movie is the angel-moth-bat-dragon (the actual name in the book) literally the size of Australia. But that can be excused.
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Aug 02, 2011
Jayne
rated it:
I enjoyed reading this to my six-year-old. I had feared it would be full of flowery language and the sort of content a young child couldn't possibly grasp. I was pleasantly surprised - and impressed - by the simplicity of the language, and at the same time by the direction and variety of the storyline. Perfect for young children! Takes me back to the time when, a few years ago, my older child came home from school and informed me that the next term's topic was the Iron Man. Never having heard of
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Jul 30, 2011
Miloš & Brontë
rated it:
Pa: So you finished your first big book. How are you feeling?
Miloš: Proud of myself.
Pa: You should be. I'm proud of you too.
Miloš: Thanks, Pa.
Pa: Sure, so did you ... what did you think of it?
Miloš: There was a great author.
Pa: Who's that?
Miloš: Ted Hughes.
Pa: Why's he so great?
Miloš: Because I liked the space-bat-angel-dragon.
Pa: The what?!
Miloš: The space-bat-angel-dragon is what I sai More...
Miloš: Proud of myself.
Pa: You should be. I'm proud of you too.
Miloš: Thanks, Pa.
Pa: Sure, so did you ... what did you think of it?
Miloš: There was a great author.
Pa: Who's that?
Miloš: Ted Hughes.
Pa: Why's he so great?
Miloš: Because I liked the space-bat-angel-dragon.
Pa: The what?!
Miloš: The space-bat-angel-dragon is what I sai More...
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Aug 01, 2011
Sarah
rated it:
The Iron Man by Ted Hughes was re-titled The Iron Giant after the 1999 animated film was released with the new name. It's the story of a friendship between a giant robot and a young boy and also the danger that such a large sentient machine can pose.
The version I read was released when the film came out. Except for names and elevator pitch there is little else the film and the book have in common.
The most recent Iron Man edition has illustrations by Laura Carlin. From the More...
The version I read was released when the film came out. Except for names and elevator pitch there is little else the film and the book have in common.
The most recent Iron Man edition has illustrations by Laura Carlin. From the More...
Aug 06, 2007
Ian
rated it:
i read this book maybe when i was 7 years old, but i still remembered a lot of it 12 years later when the movie came out. and while i love the movie, i've found the book has some wonderful insights that didn't make it to the film. in fact, the movie really only borrows a few bits and pieces from the story Ted Hughes wrote.
i just re-read it, and there's a few key details i felt like commenting on. (warning: spoilers ahead) the army is never actually called in to destroy the giant, alt More...
i just re-read it, and there's a few key details i felt like commenting on. (warning: spoilers ahead) the army is never actually called in to destroy the giant, alt More...
Feb 02, 2012
Shanshad
rated it:
So the story is one I know full well already. The format something unusual and in some ways very compelling. Because if there's one thing this librarian knows, it's that this is the kind of book that proves there's a point to still keeping books in print. An e-reader can't duplicate this kind of visual and tactile experience provided by the interwoven art and page cuts. It transforms this humble little tale of a an outspace giant into a combined visual and text experience.
Apr 10, 2011
Julie
rated it:
Strange.
Kind of poetic, imaginitive, evocative. The Iron Man creates great images in the mind, and the story is kind of like a poem. A poem that doesn't rhyme. A story in prose? It's still going in my verse-novels shelf. Ted Hughes was Poet Laureate so that doesn't surprise. The science doesn't make sense but, in this case, I don't care. The story is not about the science, it's about the Iron Man.
Kind of poetic, imaginitive, evocative. The Iron Man creates great images in the mind, and the story is kind of like a poem. A poem that doesn't rhyme. A story in prose? It's still going in my verse-novels shelf. Ted Hughes was Poet Laureate so that doesn't surprise. The science doesn't make sense but, in this case, I don't care. The story is not about the science, it's about the Iron Man.
Dec 08, 2009
Carlos
rated it:
When I was in Cub Scouts our Scout leader used to read this book to us when we were out camping. I loved it as a kid, and as an adult I like it even more, the book is a reflection on fearing the unknown, persecution, and helping others even if they aren't like you. Great read, very short, should be on your shelf, and you should read it to any children that will listen.
Aug 08, 2011
Sara
rated it:
Daniel read this and liked it so much he begged me to read it too. I can't say I loved it as much as he did... but it's a nice story about a boy who tames a giant robot, then enlists the robot to tame a larger evil. Written in 1968, in a fairytale sort of style. Apparently there's a movie? I think we'll be watching it in the next few weeks...
Jan 04, 2009
Melissa
rated it: 
Can Ted even relate to children?! Poor plot, even poorer language, and not even remotely accurate to science. (A bird the size of Australia would not be able to cover up the sun!) The movie is much better and makes a lot more sense explaining life after death than Ted's crappy story.
Jan 18, 2012
Amy
rated it:
I first read this 10 years ago when I was 9 years old, as part of a group reading exercise. But I got too far ahead and had to finish it by myself! A brilliant book for children and adults alike, with science fiction/action/suspense/journey of discovery elements it is an excellent read.
Aug 26, 2010
vorthys
rated it:
This is a strange story that doesn't really make much sense, but then, many children's stories don't make much sense. Do yourself a favor, however, and read it out loud. The language is wonderfully fun to read out loud, in ways that would be difficult to appreciate if read silently.
Jan 24, 2012
Jim
rated it:
only three stars because i just read this from a fifty year old's point of view and the holes in the logic are too big to ignore. however, if i were eight years old and this were being read to me or reading this on my own in third grade - i'd have given it five stars.
Dec 05, 2011
Heather
rated it:
Strange, but interesting. I'm not really sure how the story connected. It felt like a bunch of little mini episodes occurring in some very bizarre world. But it was also intriguing, in the same way that books like The Little Prince are intriguing and other-worldly.
Feb 16, 2010
Christina
rated it:
A cross between science fiction and a fairy tale, this is an enjoyable, if extremely odd, read. It was a perfect "read-aloud" book since the language itself was very lyrical and poetic. The kids were riveted by the first paragraph. After we finished it, I glanced at the short bio of Ted Hughes and was not surprised to find that he had been poet laureate of Great Britain. Three stars for the strange story, four for the extreme readability.
Nov 28, 2009
Angie
rated it:
I absolutely LOVE this little children's book. In fact I think it is one I will remember loving reading to my kids when they are grown up and flown the nest. It is beautifully written, simple and perfectly phrased. I ended up reading it again 4 times over last 5 years - it is an annual treat which I never tire of. It bears little relation to the animated film and is in its own rite, a strange and haunting little book. I cannot recommend enough.
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