The Miami Giant

by Arthur Yorinks, Maurice Sendak (Illustrator)

Leaving Italy to search for China, the great explorer Giuseppe Giaweeni accidentally stumbles across Miami, where he discovers a lost tribe of dancing giants and enjoys a brief stint in show business.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Juvenile, Humor, Fiction

32 pages, Library Binding

First published September 1, 1995

About the author

Arthur Yorinks is a playwright, director, and author of more than thirty-five picture books for children, including the Caldecott Medal–winning Hey, Al, illustrated by Richard Egielski. His most recent picture book is Presto and Zesto in Limboland, illustrated by Maurice Sendak. Arthur Yorinks lives in Cambridge, New York.

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. So under-appreciated and under-noticed. I just sent one off to a dear friend's little girl. A hysterically funny story with lots of Yiddishisms and great Maurice Sendak illustrations. What could be bad, nu?

[Mario Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book that was illustrated by Maurice Sendak-I loved it. Maurice Sendak has illustrated other books that have the similar type of art that he used for this book, and I was impressed with his work. The author of this book, Arthur Yorinks, did a great job in depicting what a true relationship should look like if one person ends up being exploited by the other accidentally. The book showed the explorer Giaweeni express compassion and sorrow for what happens to his friend the giant in the end, and I thought that the author ended this book correctly by having Giaweeni take Joe the giant back to Miami with his family after things did not work out for Joe in Italy. I loved the message of friendship above anything else, and I of course loved the big & colorful illustrations.

[Sasha · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was stoked when I snagged this at Cliff's Books in DeLand. A first edition crossover with Maurice Sendak and Al Yorinks? Two unashamedly Jewish children's lit heavy hitters? Sign me up!

Unfortunately, it feels messy, strange, and more likely to promote stereotypes (Mishbookers? Seriously?) than quash them. I get that duds happen, but holy f***, this was incredibly weird and I just want to Men-In-Black my mind clean of it.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a picture book, but not a children's book. (It won't upset or offend children, but it won't make sense to them. They won't get that the family name is Mishbooker.) This is a gift book for your friends in Miami. It's funny. And it's great to see Sendak as his adult, relaxed self.

[Kris Dersch · Rating 4 out of 5]

You'd expect weird from this author/illustrator combo and weird is what you get. But it's also vibrant and funny and adorable and shareable. Also what you'd expect.

[Paul Hankins]

Setting sail for China with the blessing of the king and queen of Italy, Guiseppe Giaweeni instead lands in Miami (with some funny pronunciations to be found on the facing pages).

It is in Miami (so he swerved a little) that Guiseppe and his crew encounter The Mishbookers of Miami, a giant clan who had gone undiscovered for generations.

With some coaxing, Guiseppe gets Joe Mishbooker to go back across the ocean where he promised top billing in a new show that will feature him.

Lots of quiet humor in this book anchored by Sendak's stylings.

Love this one. Found it in super condition for two dollars at a local flea market type store called Peddler's Market.

[Linda Lipko]

Giuseppe Giaweeni left Italy for China with the blessing of the King and Queen. Taking a wrong turn, he landed in Florida where he discovered a tribe of giants named the Mishbookers of Miami.

Convincing one of the giants to return to Italy with him in the hope of staging a song and dance routine which would make Guiseppe rich, became a disaster.

Dancing and turning, the giant made those who bought tickets very afraid.

Alas, the giant returned where years later it was rumored that the Mishbookers moved to Long Island!

[The Brothers · Rating 2 out of 5]

A kinda odd book about a Spanish explorer finding giants in Florida (he thought he was heading for China). He takes one back to be in a show. The giants dances about, but ends up scaring everyone so bad the show is a flop. So the giant gets to go home. Like a said - weird.

Bright, colorful illustrations.

[Jeannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story a mix between King Kong... Gulliver's Travels. It has A few chuckles. Nicely illustrated.Haha Definitely recommend! ♥♥♥~♥ ♥~♥♥~♥ :)

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had never seen or heard of this one until I started searching for children's picture books at used book stores.

[Janis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable! Not just a kids' book, The Miami Giant tickled my fancy with its humor, Yiddishisms, and illustrations by Maurice Sendak.
(My copy is even signed by the author!)

[Jason Beyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is very strange. My seven year old didn't understand it and I am not sure that I did either.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute children's story about an explorer who plans to travel to China but finds Miami instead.