Two Giants Foreman

by Michael Foreman

A pink sea shell leads two giants to a terrible argument which lasts for years, and is finally resolved when the giants realize they have mixed their socks.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1967

About the author

Michael has worked on magazines, book jackets, animated films, TV adverts, and even for the police, sketching criminals described by witnesses. As well as illustrating many of his own books, Michael has illustrated over a hundred books for authors such as Shakespeare, J. M. Barrie, the Brothers Grimm, Charles Dickens and Oscar Wilde. Michael has travelled widely - to Africa, Japan, the Arctic Circle, China and Malaysia, the Himalayas, Siberia and New Zealand - to research his books. "I do a lot of research when I'm travelling - I find it thrilling to discover the particular 'art' of different landscapes and work them into a book. But I find I have to travel by myself, otherwise I'm constantly getting involved in other people's impressions of a place... I try to be invisible when I'm travelling, so I tend to listen in on conversations rather than participate in them - I just want to look and draw."

Reviews

[Emma]

This book is about friendship as the two giants who were always friends fall out over a shell. The book also has a theme of seasons running parallel which reflect the giants' feelings very effectively. The book could be used in PSHE to talk about friendship, sharing and being nice to each other.

[Ella]

A nice book about friendship. Could be used alongside teaching about the seasons. The author uses weather as a metaphor for the feelings between the two giants. They learn to forgive each other and be kind. Good opportunities to discuss how the giants may be feeling and relate to children’s own experiences.

[Minna Hughes]

I thought this was a sweet, concise book about arguments. It has a lovely and cheerful resolution to a fierce argument over nothing. Although the giants are friends I thought it was a more accurate description of sibling arguments!! I read it at work and the children seemed to miss the irony of reading it to them to stop the arguments they were having! The illustrations are beautiful too

[May]

Getting along and compromising

[Dorien]

Dat het leven zo veel mooier is met vrienden (die overeen komen) en verschillende sokken aan ...

[Alice Billington]

A simple story about two best friends having an argument for the first time. Would be useful for a PSHE lesson on friendship.

[Wetdryvac Wetdryvac]

Nifty art, decent story, significant sudden naming 1/3 of the way through, which kinda leaves a divot and is never touched again.

[Beverly]

I've seen better illustrations by Foreman in other books. This book is illustrated in collage and mixed media, and looks rather clunky.

[Jennifer]

Great illustrations, fun story for kids.