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GIANT Or Waiting for the Thursday Boat
Upset with St. Patrick for chasing the other giants out of Ireland, McKeon throws church bells into the sea, until St. Patrick tells him God will come on the Thursday boat.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1989
82 people want to read
About the author
Robert Munsch
287 books1,637 followersRobert Munsch was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Fordham University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and from Boston University in 1971 with a Master of Arts degree in anthropology.
He studied to become a Jesuit priest, but decided he would rather work with children after jobs at orphanages and daycare centers. In 1973, he received a Master of Education in Child Studies from Tufts University. In 1975 he moved to Canada to work at the preschool at the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario. He also taught in the Department of Family Studies at the University of Guelph as a lecturer and as an assistant professor. In Guelph he was encouraged to publish the many stories he made up for the children he worked with.
Munsch's wife delivered two stillborn babies in 1979 and 1980. Out of the tragedy, he produced one of his best-known books, Love You Forever. This book was listed fourth on the 2001 Publishers Weekly All-Time Best selling Children's Books list for paperbacks at 6,970,000 copies (not including the 1,049,000 hardcover copies). The Munsches have since become adoptive parents of Julie, Andrew and Tyya (see them all in Something Good!)
Munsch has obsessive-compulsive disorder and has also suffered from manic depression. In August 2008, Munsch suffered a stroke that affected his ability to speak in normal sentences. He has recovered enough that he is able to perform live, but has put his writing career on hold until he is fully recovered.
He studied to become a Jesuit priest, but decided he would rather work with children after jobs at orphanages and daycare centers. In 1973, he received a Master of Education in Child Studies from Tufts University. In 1975 he moved to Canada to work at the preschool at the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario. He also taught in the Department of Family Studies at the University of Guelph as a lecturer and as an assistant professor. In Guelph he was encouraged to publish the many stories he made up for the children he worked with.
Munsch's wife delivered two stillborn babies in 1979 and 1980. Out of the tragedy, he produced one of his best-known books, Love You Forever. This book was listed fourth on the 2001 Publishers Weekly All-Time Best selling Children's Books list for paperbacks at 6,970,000 copies (not including the 1,049,000 hardcover copies). The Munsches have since become adoptive parents of Julie, Andrew and Tyya (see them all in Something Good!)
Munsch has obsessive-compulsive disorder and has also suffered from manic depression. In August 2008, Munsch suffered a stroke that affected his ability to speak in normal sentences. He has recovered enough that he is able to perform live, but has put his writing career on hold until he is fully recovered.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 18, 2015
In the recently published book Red Jacket, there's a throwaway line that grabbed my attention:
Naturally curious, I looked into the storybook, and when I discovered that it was an old title by local, beloved author Robert Munsch, I thought, “Oooh, I need to read that.” But...this book, released in 1989, had caused some degree of controversy – including being banned (or maybe just restricted) by a nearby school board – and as a result, was out of print and not available to borrow from the library or to buy from a store. Robert Munsch! Banned and restricted! How can I get my hands on this dangerous and subversive title?! Rolling up my sleeves and prepared to scour the darkest recesses of the internet, I found it, used, right away on amazon.com – for a penny plus shipping – and sat back and waited for it to arrive at my door. And...it's pretty okay. Since it's not readily available, here's the story:
McKeon is the last giant in Ireland – the rest having been tossed out by St Patrick when he was clearing the land of snakes and elves – and when McKeon decides to complain about these actions directly to the saint himself, Patrick declares that he was only doing what God wanted.
When St Patrick laughs at this threat, McKeon goes on a rampage, tossing all the church bells in Ireland into the ocean. Finally, St Patrick warns the giant that he's made God mad and, “God is coming on the Thursday boat.” McKeon is pleased and plans to pound God into applesauce. When God does arrive in the form of a little black girl, McKeon doesn't recognise Her as God, and even when the giant and the little girl later jump right up to heaven, McKeon mistakenly thinks that God must live in the biggest house and is confused when He can't be found. Finally, the little girl declares, “Saints are for hanging up church bells and giants are for tearing them down. That's just the way it is. Why don't you two try getting along?” The book ends:
This book follows the familiar Munsch themes of accepting differences and learning to get along, and it certainly suits Munsch's outrageous streak (imagine threatening to kick God in the knee or to pound Him into applesauce?), but I have to wonder who it was written for. A religious family might find aspects blasphemous, and nonreligious (or at any rate, non-Christian) parents might feel uncomfortable reading to their children about God and St Patrick in heaven. By having the story feature a giant who throws down church bells that we mistake for shooting stars, I suppose we cross the line into pagan myth. Is Waiting for the Thursday Boat, then, for secular agnostics who can accept all of the above as mere mythology, as suitable for picture books as tales of Zeus or Odin? I wasn't personally offended – why not have God portrayed as a nonviolent little black girl? – but because it's a story about God, I couldn't stop wondering what other people think about it. In and of itself, Waiting for the Thursday Boat has beautiful illustrations, some provocative ideas, but it doesn't have the urgent energy of Munsch's funniest books (Good Families Don't or Mortimer) or the poignancy of his most thoughtful (Love You Forever or The Paper Bag Princess). This is a middle of the road book, and as I can't find evidence of a widespread controversy after its release, I'm going to assume that it was lack of interest – lack of an audience? – that caused Waiting for the Thursday Boat to go out of print.
There's a children's storybook called Waiting for the Thursday Boat in which God is a little black girl. I daresay he could manage to be a trickster spider as well.
Naturally curious, I looked into the storybook, and when I discovered that it was an old title by local, beloved author Robert Munsch, I thought, “Oooh, I need to read that.” But...this book, released in 1989, had caused some degree of controversy – including being banned (or maybe just restricted) by a nearby school board – and as a result, was out of print and not available to borrow from the library or to buy from a store. Robert Munsch! Banned and restricted! How can I get my hands on this dangerous and subversive title?! Rolling up my sleeves and prepared to scour the darkest recesses of the internet, I found it, used, right away on amazon.com – for a penny plus shipping – and sat back and waited for it to arrive at my door. And...it's pretty okay. Since it's not readily available, here's the story:
McKeon is the last giant in Ireland – the rest having been tossed out by St Patrick when he was clearing the land of snakes and elves – and when McKeon decides to complain about these actions directly to the saint himself, Patrick declares that he was only doing what God wanted.
Then send out your God.
I'll kick Him in the knee.
I'll knock Him on the head.
He'll never recover.
When St Patrick laughs at this threat, McKeon goes on a rampage, tossing all the church bells in Ireland into the ocean. Finally, St Patrick warns the giant that he's made God mad and, “God is coming on the Thursday boat.” McKeon is pleased and plans to pound God into applesauce. When God does arrive in the form of a little black girl, McKeon doesn't recognise Her as God, and even when the giant and the little girl later jump right up to heaven, McKeon mistakenly thinks that God must live in the biggest house and is confused when He can't be found. Finally, the little girl declares, “Saints are for hanging up church bells and giants are for tearing them down. That's just the way it is. Why don't you two try getting along?” The book ends:
Then she started to laugh. She laughed til the mountains shook, rivers moved and stars changed directions. For a little girl she had an enormous laugh.
McKeon is still throwing church bells out of heaven.
They become shooting stars.
Go out some night and look for one.
This book follows the familiar Munsch themes of accepting differences and learning to get along, and it certainly suits Munsch's outrageous streak (imagine threatening to kick God in the knee or to pound Him into applesauce?), but I have to wonder who it was written for. A religious family might find aspects blasphemous, and nonreligious (or at any rate, non-Christian) parents might feel uncomfortable reading to their children about God and St Patrick in heaven. By having the story feature a giant who throws down church bells that we mistake for shooting stars, I suppose we cross the line into pagan myth. Is Waiting for the Thursday Boat, then, for secular agnostics who can accept all of the above as mere mythology, as suitable for picture books as tales of Zeus or Odin? I wasn't personally offended – why not have God portrayed as a nonviolent little black girl? – but because it's a story about God, I couldn't stop wondering what other people think about it. In and of itself, Waiting for the Thursday Boat has beautiful illustrations, some provocative ideas, but it doesn't have the urgent energy of Munsch's funniest books (Good Families Don't or Mortimer) or the poignancy of his most thoughtful (Love You Forever or The Paper Bag Princess). This is a middle of the road book, and as I can't find evidence of a widespread controversy after its release, I'm going to assume that it was lack of interest – lack of an audience? – that caused Waiting for the Thursday Boat to go out of print.
October 12, 2022
An unconventional story about tolerance, acceptance and heaven.
March 17, 2025
An Irish Thing: Happy St. Paddy’s Day
GIANT Or Waiting for the Thursday Boat: Some Thoughts
Montreal is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this weekend. For many it started Friday (or before) and will end Monday, the actual day, or maybe even carry on for another day or two. It is one of those things.
Today, Sunday, is the actual parade in Montreal. It is 200 years. Sure, Covid got in the way, there have been wars, and protests, and counter protests. In 1824, there were many veterans from theWar of 1812. They got together for a party. It has become a tradition.
At first, it was a mix of Irish and French-Canadian Catholics who were both against British colonialism. Now, it is a celebration of Montreal – of all stripes and traditions. Everyone is Irish at the Parade; some are just more Irish than others. The whisky might have something to do with it.
In line with the Irish theme of the week, I decided to share some thoughts on Robert Munsch’s GIANT. For those not familiar with this book, rereading it as a Grandparent made me ponder it a little more. Rather than it just being a so/so Munsch book, it took on a different meaning.
The main character in the book is McKeon, he is the largest giant in all of Ireland. He is also the last giant. And he is angry. You see “When St. Patrick came to Ireland, he chased out all the snakes, He chased out all the elves and chased out all the other giants.” Giant McKeon is angry about this. He liked the diversity. He decides that he doesn’t like St. Patrick. So, he challenges God.
To get God’s attention he smashes Church bells. The art, by Gilles Tibo is very alluring. We see a popular giant doing unpopular things. And then he waits for God on the Thursday Boat.
Various folks arrive. It is a little girl that is the wise one. SHE, I am sure, upset many people. Who would depict GOD as a little girl? This must have set Sunday Schools and many Evangelicals in a tizzy. After all, God as a girl?
All I can say is that I and my youngest junior associate liked it. We liked the story. We liked the imagery. And I liked the philosophical message.
In the meantime, St. Patrick and McKeon met up in heaven, and they seem to resolve their differences. That is, after all, the Irish way!
This, in the conclusion, is a story of hope, faith, inclusion, and tolerance. Happy St. Patrick’s Day – for one and all!
Lino Matteo ©™
Twitter @Lino_Matteo
https://linomatteo.wordpress.com/2025...
#SundayThought #Parade #StPatrick #BusinessEnglish #Montreal #BookReview #Book #LinoMatteo
GIANT Or Waiting for the Thursday Boat: Some Thoughts
Montreal is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this weekend. For many it started Friday (or before) and will end Monday, the actual day, or maybe even carry on for another day or two. It is one of those things.
Today, Sunday, is the actual parade in Montreal. It is 200 years. Sure, Covid got in the way, there have been wars, and protests, and counter protests. In 1824, there were many veterans from theWar of 1812. They got together for a party. It has become a tradition.
At first, it was a mix of Irish and French-Canadian Catholics who were both against British colonialism. Now, it is a celebration of Montreal – of all stripes and traditions. Everyone is Irish at the Parade; some are just more Irish than others. The whisky might have something to do with it.
In line with the Irish theme of the week, I decided to share some thoughts on Robert Munsch’s GIANT. For those not familiar with this book, rereading it as a Grandparent made me ponder it a little more. Rather than it just being a so/so Munsch book, it took on a different meaning.
The main character in the book is McKeon, he is the largest giant in all of Ireland. He is also the last giant. And he is angry. You see “When St. Patrick came to Ireland, he chased out all the snakes, He chased out all the elves and chased out all the other giants.” Giant McKeon is angry about this. He liked the diversity. He decides that he doesn’t like St. Patrick. So, he challenges God.
To get God’s attention he smashes Church bells. The art, by Gilles Tibo is very alluring. We see a popular giant doing unpopular things. And then he waits for God on the Thursday Boat.
Various folks arrive. It is a little girl that is the wise one. SHE, I am sure, upset many people. Who would depict GOD as a little girl? This must have set Sunday Schools and many Evangelicals in a tizzy. After all, God as a girl?
All I can say is that I and my youngest junior associate liked it. We liked the story. We liked the imagery. And I liked the philosophical message.
In the meantime, St. Patrick and McKeon met up in heaven, and they seem to resolve their differences. That is, after all, the Irish way!
This, in the conclusion, is a story of hope, faith, inclusion, and tolerance. Happy St. Patrick’s Day – for one and all!
Lino Matteo ©™
Twitter @Lino_Matteo
https://linomatteo.wordpress.com/2025...
#SundayThought #Parade #StPatrick #BusinessEnglish #Montreal #BookReview #Book #LinoMatteo
February 19, 2024
She looked at them and said, “Saints are for hanging up church bells and giants are for tearing them down. That’s just the way it is. Why don’t you two try getting along?”
I'll be honest with you, "Giant" isn't one of Munsch's funniest books by a longshot, but it's definitely interesting! It was banned/controversial back in 1989 because it contains:
(A) Explicit Judeo-Christian themes
(B) A giant who threatens to "pound God into applesauce"
(C) A little black girl depicted as God.
This is probably the only time where Munsch's Jesuit background leaks into a story like this, and it's fascinating to read! I really wish we could get audio of him performing this book in his usual style, since he claims this one was "story-tested" on kids. Speaking of kids, they were clamoring for the new Munsch, but teachers felt super uncomfortable about putting the title in their hands. As one principal said:
"...it was either on the very top shelf of the library beyond the eyes of the children, or in a closet. I can't prove that and the school system knows it."
Another aspect of this book which is unusual for Munsch is that instead of the playful illustrations of Martchenko we get the softer, sweeter, gentler work of French Canadian icon Gilles Tibo. I think the illustration style speaks to the deep sincerity with which Munsch wrote this story. It definitely didn't seem like a proftable idea, but maybe Munsch didn't care about commercial viability by 1989. By 1989 he was making that sweet "Love You Forever" money.
He certainly didn't argue with the backlash either. He simply said, "like little children, there comes a time when a book has to make it on its own".
"Giant" is currently out of print, and unlisted on Munsch's website.
I'll be honest with you, "Giant" isn't one of Munsch's funniest books by a longshot, but it's definitely interesting! It was banned/controversial back in 1989 because it contains:
(A) Explicit Judeo-Christian themes
(B) A giant who threatens to "pound God into applesauce"
(C) A little black girl depicted as God.
This is probably the only time where Munsch's Jesuit background leaks into a story like this, and it's fascinating to read! I really wish we could get audio of him performing this book in his usual style, since he claims this one was "story-tested" on kids. Speaking of kids, they were clamoring for the new Munsch, but teachers felt super uncomfortable about putting the title in their hands. As one principal said:
"...it was either on the very top shelf of the library beyond the eyes of the children, or in a closet. I can't prove that and the school system knows it."
Another aspect of this book which is unusual for Munsch is that instead of the playful illustrations of Martchenko we get the softer, sweeter, gentler work of French Canadian icon Gilles Tibo. I think the illustration style speaks to the deep sincerity with which Munsch wrote this story. It definitely didn't seem like a proftable idea, but maybe Munsch didn't care about commercial viability by 1989. By 1989 he was making that sweet "Love You Forever" money.
He certainly didn't argue with the backlash either. He simply said, "like little children, there comes a time when a book has to make it on its own".
"Giant" is currently out of print, and unlisted on Munsch's website.
March 26, 2019
This may be my new favorite children's book - a giant named McKeon is outraged at Saint Patrick for driving away all the snakes and elves and giants (his friends), so he throws church bells into the ocean until Saint Patrick tells him God will be angry with him. McKeon thinks this is a fine thing, as he wants to beat up God. He waits for God to arrive by boat so they can fight. Then he hears Saint Patrick has gone to Heaven, so he jumps up there to bring the fight to Saint Patrick and his God there. Wackiness ensues. I love it!!!
July 10, 2022
If I were a devout Christian, I'd be very uncomfortable with this. As a fan of folklore, I think it lame. I want to like the little black girl God (a spoiler, but honestly if her first appearance doesn't telegraph the theme I don't know what would), but I find it awfully odd that she would have told Saint Patrick to clear Ireland of not only snakes but elves and giants, too. Since she did, I despise her almost as much as I do the bearded white patriarch. Oh, and I don't like the art much, either.
June 4, 2025
I loved the magical and legendary and folktale was of this story. I love how God was represented by a little girl, and how the point of the story was to face God, but God is content existing everywhere and always around as you make your choices and live your life and be yourself. I also liked the reference to the folklore of fairies and giants in Ireland. And the junior of the giant turning away invaders and Vikings from Ireland in his quest to fight God.
December 30, 2024
We were so excited to find this...a Munsch book we'd never heard of! But it wasn't as funny and silly as his others. Kiddo was missing context and so had questions about saints and why someone would chase snakes away.
October 1, 2021
Delightful.
February 17, 2022
A giant caused a disturbance and threw all church bells into the ocean, because he was angry at St. Patrick. He even challenged God! Strange story with lovely illustrations.
July 26, 2022
My kids laughed soooo hard
September 5, 2022
CW: religion
Otherwise story is okay, but not usable for work. Interesting art style
Otherwise story is okay, but not usable for work. Interesting art style
September 24, 2025
This one was very strange and possibly blasphemous? We didn't like it as well as the other Munsch books we've read.
December 13, 2011
Jake's Review: Mom REALLY likes this book and read it all the time to me when I was a kid (Mom's note: yup he's now an adult at age 10). I like the giant because he is funny and tells everybody he want to punch the Peter guy for taking away all the snakes and I like that God is a little girl and not some scary looking guy who is always telling you to be good (Mom's note: maybe a little religious training would be a good thing). I really don't get why mom LOVES this book though. Its funny and the pictures are cool
Jake's Rating: 7/10
Mom's Review: It took me forever to find a copy of this book years ago when I had first heard of it. I was taking a children's literature course and the professor told me about this wonderful book. This title has been challenged and banned in many school districts across Canada and the US which just totally blows my mind. It is a beautiful, sensitive and honest look at stereotypes in religion. God is a wise plain spoken little black girl and I guess that freaks out those who are extreme in their religious beliefs. I don't mean to offend anyone and you have to understand I was raised in a loving, good family who just didn't do the church thing. My parents had faith but it was more a non denominational type of way. But those who have challenged this must have missed the point of the story being about diversity and acceptance and that is the type of god I want to believe in - rant over : )
Mom's Rating: 10/10
Jake's Rating: 7/10
Mom's Review: It took me forever to find a copy of this book years ago when I had first heard of it. I was taking a children's literature course and the professor told me about this wonderful book. This title has been challenged and banned in many school districts across Canada and the US which just totally blows my mind. It is a beautiful, sensitive and honest look at stereotypes in religion. God is a wise plain spoken little black girl and I guess that freaks out those who are extreme in their religious beliefs. I don't mean to offend anyone and you have to understand I was raised in a loving, good family who just didn't do the church thing. My parents had faith but it was more a non denominational type of way. But those who have challenged this must have missed the point of the story being about diversity and acceptance and that is the type of god I want to believe in - rant over : )
Mom's Rating: 10/10
October 15, 2012
I read a friends copy of this book years ago and loved it! I decided I needed a copy for all the children in my life. After searching for over a decade and writing to the author himself in hopes that he could help, I could not find a copy of this children's book that didn't come with a hefty price tag: $200 - $1,000. All because this little book was banned in Ontario libraries. I am delighted to have finally secured a copy without breaking the bank.
It does not disappoint, even after all these years. My only sadness is that I cannot purchase copies for all the children in my life. I will just have to go on tour so that I can read it to each of them!!!
If you have a copy, dust it off. Read it again. Then read it to a child. The petition a publisher to reprint it!!!!
Better yet, plant it in an Ontario library!!!
It does not disappoint, even after all these years. My only sadness is that I cannot purchase copies for all the children in my life. I will just have to go on tour so that I can read it to each of them!!!
If you have a copy, dust it off. Read it again. Then read it to a child. The petition a publisher to reprint it!!!!
Better yet, plant it in an Ontario library!!!
July 29, 2012
Often banned, and (I believe) the only Munsch book that's been allowed to go out of print, due to the controversy over his depiction of God, this one's a bit pat, ultimately, in its "that's just the way things are" explanation for why some folk put up church bells and others knock 'em down, but as a call for diversity and tolerance, it's less saccharine and preachy than such things often are, and it has reasonably nice illustrations. Good luck finding a copy. I'd scan and post a cover image, but it seems impossible to edit a title that's been put in by somebody else....
July 28, 2011
Irreverant and a good counterbalance to traditional religious childrens' stories.
May 26, 2017
My favourite Robert Munsch book. It's a shame it's out of print.
March 4, 2015
Pretty cute! God is a little girl and preaches tolerance for our differences. Some people put up church bells, some knock 'em down, it's all good!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews