Giant Tess

by Dan Yaccarino

Tess has a BIG problem.

She’s a giant with an enormous wish to be like everyone else in the city of Myth-hattan. When she gives up on ever fitting in, she meets a friend just her size, and the two team up for a daring rescue. Can these misfits save the day—and the big city parade?

A tall tale to remind us that heroes come in all shapes.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fantasy, Dragons, Friendship, Storytime, Adventure

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

Exhibitions of his work have been held throughout the world. He is also the creator of the animated TV Series Willa's Wild Life and Oswald.

Mr. Yaccarino lives in New York City with his wife and two children.

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau]

I am a big fan of Dan Yaccarino! The story of a little giant girl trying to find her place is sure to resonate with young children - fantastic art!

[Rod Brown]

This book doesn't seem to have anything going for it beyond the clever title and a sort of tip of the hat to Clifford the Big Red Dog.

[Raven Black]

Old school story. That's obvious. Only time people like Tess is when she's done something for them.

[Jillian]

This book felt like it was written by a very young author - the way the beats of the story progressed was very "and then THIS happened!" "and then there was a DRAGON!" "and the dragon could FLY!"
Also, it fell into the trap of having poor Tess need to prove her usefulness before she was accepted.

[Rachel]

Tessa is a giant girl living among tiny people (and creatures) in Myth-hattan, where she is lonely and lingers on the periphery. Yaccarino's art is its usual vibrant, retro aesthetic, and the story is a funny one about acceptance and love.

[Edward Sullivan]

A giant girl with a big problem in Myth-hattan.

[KC]

A larger than life young Tess living in New York City. Bold illustrations.

[Rebecca Gomez]

I like the modern fantasy setting, and it's a cute concept, but the text is a bit dull.

[Fatima Seraj Alam]

I feel the story would have made much more sense if Tess wasn’t living in Myth-Hattan but Manhattan where she is the only giantess unsure of where she fits in.

[Shaye Miller]

I’m convinced that Giant Tess is the human equivalent of Clifford the Big Red Dog. 🙂 She’s adopted as a baby and grows into a giant of a child. She can’t fit or blend in anywhere, but that doesn’t mean she cannot discover a purpose. This book will provide an interesting discussion about finding ways we can each function, even when we don’t believe we belong. Sadly, this feeling isn’t uncommon among children. The artist used brush and India ink on vellum and Photoshop to create the illustrations for this book.

For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!

[Olivia]

Find my full review here: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfic...

GIANT TESS is a picture book about Tess, who is different than the other children in Myth-hatten. Tess is a giant. She wants to be normal and fit in, but eventually she finds a friend who is just her size (a dragon), and together, they save the day of the parade when a balloon carries away the mayor. Tess learns to love herself and her size.

What I loved: This book contains great lessons about self-esteem and helping others. Tess is large in size and heart, and with parades/balloons and a dragon, this book is full of fun. The allusions to New York City are a nice touch and will strike an entertaining note for children who are familiar with the city. For instance, Tess eats a lot, including hot dogs by the hot dog cart! The illustrations are very cute and cartoonish, described by the text perfectly. The amount of text to pictures and the full storyline is also great for the older toddler and young child audience.

What left me wanting more: As a very small thing, there are relatively few colors in the book, and while this is an elegant design, more colors are more fun for young eyes.

Final verdict: Overall, GIANT TESS is a cute celebration of self-acceptance and helpfulness. From making friends to appreciating what makes you unique, this book will be a fun read for the preschool and young elementary school audience. I would recommend for kids of any age who have ever felt different.

[Jonii]

Cool retro style art, catchy mythology twists on Manhattan place names (Lower Beast Side and Grand Cyclops Station were faves), and a cute story about accepting traits that others may not always see the beauty in or of.

[Pam]

This picture book is just fun. A young girl is adopted and brought home to NYC where she just doesn't stop growing. She knows she's big and knows she's different but doesn't know what to do about it. In her city travels she find (and asks for advise from) a dragon.

[Lynn Davidson]

In the city of Myth-hattan lived a giant girl named Tess who wanted to be like the other children. She couldn't help with the big parade without making a mess, so she sadly sat and watched. When a calamity happened Tess knew how she could help make it right.

[The Library Lady]

A standard character doesn't fit in, character finds a friend who doesn't fit in, the two save the day sort of story is enlivened by Yaccarino's bright, energetic style. But the best part of all is the map of "Myth-Hattan"on the front and back inner covers. Can they go to the Bronx next?

[Kelly]

Very enjoyable as a picture book. The story is light and quick, and I can see the appeal to children. But Dan Yaccarino is good at this.

[Alison N]

So cute and imaginative! And very heartwarming. I loved it!

[Morgan]

Short Sweet story about being comfortable in your own body.

[Leah]

Love the illustrations; Yaccarino's creatures are adorable.

[Anthony]

Tess is a giant. She is the only giant in the city of Myth-hattan. She tries to fit in, but she's just to big. She makes friends with a dragon named Smokey, and together they save the day during the city's parade.

[Drucilla]

This is such a cute picture book. I really like the art and I love the fantasy take on NYC.

[Peacegal]

3.5 stars -- Wonderfully creative, retro, and a lot of fun. How many mythical creatures can you spot?

[Kayla]

Charming, but it felt a bit trite to me.

[Deja Bertucci]

giant, friendship, size is relative, saves the day, dragon

[Kate Buechler]

I always love Yaccarino's illustrations.

[Rachel]

The middles of the story progresses really fast making it feel like a few things were left out, but a good message about friendship

[Robin]

Cute story. Clever puns. Love his artistic style.

[Vicki]

This reminded me too much of Clifford the Big Red dog. This was reinforced when the parade happened & a Clifford like balloon was in the parade.

[Kristen Thorp]

260/365

[Susan]

Story is so-so but my kid was quite charmed by the illustrations. They’re very cute.