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Book of Giant Stories
Includes "The Little Boy's Secret," "The Giant Who Was Afraid of Butterflies," and "The Giant Who Threw Tantrums."
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1972
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 5, 2012
This book is comprised of three Giant Tales, each involving a young boy.
In the first tale, the boy has a secret. But, on his way home, he's caught by three giants who demand to know his secret before letting him go. Is the boy in danger, or does he already know his way out?
The second tale involves a witch who is constantly annoyed by her neighbor, the giant, because he makes a great racket walking around and shaking the land. So, she decides to put a spell on the giant to make him think he's smaller than everything he sees. The boy decides to help the giant. (I took some issue with this tale, because the witch did have a right to be upset with the giant, and it kind of made it out like the witch was totally wrong. That said, what the witch did about it was wrong, especially since the result was that the giant destroyed several homes in his panic. So, not really sure there was a great message to this tale).
The third tale is cute enough. A giant keeps throwing tantrums, but the townspeople won't believe the little boy that the issues are caused by a giant, instead the townspeople believe they are earthquakes, tornados, etc. But, the little boy knows better and decides to see why the giant is upset. It's a pretty cute reason.
All in all the book was okay. The illustrations are neat, and it's fun to see the same? boy in each story.
In the first tale, the boy has a secret. But, on his way home, he's caught by three giants who demand to know his secret before letting him go. Is the boy in danger, or does he already know his way out?
The second tale involves a witch who is constantly annoyed by her neighbor, the giant, because he makes a great racket walking around and shaking the land. So, she decides to put a spell on the giant to make him think he's smaller than everything he sees. The boy decides to help the giant. (I took some issue with this tale, because the witch did have a right to be upset with the giant, and it kind of made it out like the witch was totally wrong. That said, what the witch did about it was wrong, especially since the result was that the giant destroyed several homes in his panic. So, not really sure there was a great message to this tale).
The third tale is cute enough. A giant keeps throwing tantrums, but the townspeople won't believe the little boy that the issues are caused by a giant, instead the townspeople believe they are earthquakes, tornados, etc. But, the little boy knows better and decides to see why the giant is upset. It's a pretty cute reason.
All in all the book was okay. The illustrations are neat, and it's fun to see the same? boy in each story.
December 10, 2024
Beautiful illustrations by Philippe Fix.
July 15, 2019
Just came across my old copy of this -- in surprisingly good shape despite my strong memory of it, indicating that I must have read it several times -- at any rate, this is notable more for the excellent art by Phillipe Fix, reminiscent most strongly of Arthur Rackham and other "realistic" illustrators from the Golden Age of a century ago. Beautifully detailed, at times grotesque, full of life and movement; the three very stories - which attempt a fairy-tale atmosphere - alas don't quite come up to this level but are certainly charming. Probably best for kids in the 6-10 range?
June 15, 2009
This is a collection of four funny stories about giants, in which a boy (rather like the boy in The Reluctant Dragon) encounters a giant and demonstrates his quick-wittedness by either outwitting or befriending him. The stories are lighthearted and fun, although not great literature, and they are illustrated with very nice paintings. These funny, simple stories are perfect for the make-believe stage of children's play, but are not complex enough to retain their appeal for older readers.
March 10, 2021
Vaikystėje turėjau šią knygą ir mylėjau ją beprotiškai. Vėliau ją skaitė ir mylėjo vaikai. Dabar ji patinka mano anūkui. Nuostabios istorijos, fantastiškos iliustracijos. Rekomenduoju.
November 25, 2020
THE BOOK OF GIANT STORIES
by David L Harrison
Illustrated by Philippe Fix
An all time favorite, surely a collector's item, this slim elegant picture book is timeless. Supported by the finest illustrations, the tales are told with a gentle humour that boosts the morale of the reader who comfortably identifies with the protagonist - a little boy with no name.
When this fearsome-to-behold giant swats the skinny witch-on -her-broomstick like a pesky mosquito, he is unprepared for that awful curse that strikes him like a lightning bolt. A curse that makes the giant live in mortal fear of butterflies. Along comes the little boy with problem solving techniques to matter-of-factly save him from this wicked witch!
'The Little Boy's Secret' is another tale that leaves you whooping for more...what is it that he whispers to those 3 ominous giants - each more gigantic than the other - that sends them squealing away into the wilderness?
The third tale makes you dance along with them when the little boy finds a simple enough way of dealing with the giant's tantrums. But do the village folk believe that those earthshaking noises that have now stopped were caused by a GIANT? Only the little boy knows the whole truth.
Peppered with limericks -
There once was a silly old witch
who captured two frogs in a ditch.
She christened one Pog
And the other one Tog
But she never could tell which was which.
Don't miss this - a must read for 5 - 8 year olds...though even adults would love it.
by David L Harrison
Illustrated by Philippe Fix
An all time favorite, surely a collector's item, this slim elegant picture book is timeless. Supported by the finest illustrations, the tales are told with a gentle humour that boosts the morale of the reader who comfortably identifies with the protagonist - a little boy with no name.
When this fearsome-to-behold giant swats the skinny witch-on -her-broomstick like a pesky mosquito, he is unprepared for that awful curse that strikes him like a lightning bolt. A curse that makes the giant live in mortal fear of butterflies. Along comes the little boy with problem solving techniques to matter-of-factly save him from this wicked witch!
'The Little Boy's Secret' is another tale that leaves you whooping for more...what is it that he whispers to those 3 ominous giants - each more gigantic than the other - that sends them squealing away into the wilderness?
The third tale makes you dance along with them when the little boy finds a simple enough way of dealing with the giant's tantrums. But do the village folk believe that those earthshaking noises that have now stopped were caused by a GIANT? Only the little boy knows the whole truth.
Peppered with limericks -
There once was a silly old witch
who captured two frogs in a ditch.
She christened one Pog
And the other one Tog
But she never could tell which was which.
Don't miss this - a must read for 5 - 8 year olds...though even adults would love it.
July 16, 2025
When someone asks me "what was your favorite childhood book?", this and Andrew Henry's Meadow are my answers.
I can STILL get lost in the illustrations. I wanted the little boy who had a secret's bedroom..... the witch stirring her cauldron..... the laughing villagers in their village.... Oh. My.
I can STILL get lost in the illustrations. I wanted the little boy who had a secret's bedroom..... the witch stirring her cauldron..... the laughing villagers in their village.... Oh. My.
December 31, 2019
I read this gem to my 4 year old son and he was immediately intrigued! The art is stellar!! This book not only has wonderful stories but also fantastic poems! Each story was lovely and I see this one as being a favorite for us!
September 26, 2021
One of my favorite childhood books.
January 17, 2022
B. fiction, children's fiction, short stories, fantasy, Weekly Reader Children's Book Club, from stash, keep.
May 13, 2022
The stories feel out of order? But they're fun and I liked the illustrations.
February 3, 2024
I don't remember much about this book, to be honest. But I wasn't super impressed and ended up passing it on.
July 7, 2025
Really beautiful illustrations
March 21, 2017
One day a little boy left school early because he had a secret to tell his mother . He was in a hurry to get home so he took a short cut through some wood where three terrible giants lived . But he didn't go so far when he met one of the giant in his path....
The story was very nice and interesting!!
The story was very nice and interesting!!
February 16, 2015
Whilst searching for an old Robert Burns' anthology, I came across this childhood favourite book of mine. It comprises of three little tales and four poems featuring giant(s) and a little boy. It tap into the child's imagination of magical and make-believe fantasy with humour, and is accompanied by brilliant illustrations.
March 12, 2008
I believe this one is out of print, but I know it can be found on Amazon or ebay. My dad used to read this one to us when we were kids and now I read it to my boys and they love the stories. The illustrations are also great.
February 19, 2015
I had a feeling Elijah would like this one, and he did. He even wanted me to read it again the next night. I've had this book since I was a little kid. I enjoyed doing all the different giant voices as I read it to him, just as I did when my own boys were small.
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April 26, 2016This is a fun book that shows giants in a different light. They go through some different situations and some are quite humorous. This is a great read for kids if they like something different but also traditional.
August 19, 2008
Three little stories about giants. I loved it when I was a kid, and my children enjoy it as well.
August 10, 2009
I've loved this book since I was a kid; I still have the copy from my childhood, even though its missing the cover my kids still like it! I love the illustrations and the good storytelling.
November 16, 2011
I loved this book as a kid and still enjoy it's three fun stories.
February 25, 2012
My kids laugh uncontrollaby when these stories are read to them. My 4 year old LOVES, "The Giant Who Threw Tantrums." Fun stories for all ages.
November 7, 2012
Outstanding.
November 21, 2013
This is a book from daddy's childhood. The stories are really cute and enjoyable.
April 3, 2013
I loved this book as a child. The pictures are fantastic! I re-read it many times.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews