Which is exactly what you want in a picture book for kids that conveys some pretty big notions.
It begins in a cave, ostensibly the giant’s where he has been hibernating for some time. As he re-emerges into the world, the world reacts with alarm and fear.
The giant heads out, dutifully announcing his return and greeting every one he
encounters as graciously as a giant with an overgrown beard and foreboding
appearance can.
The people of the village he approaches with hopes of becoming reacquainted flee for shelter. They hold no memory of the giant and fear instead for their lives. We, like them are left to ponder what his true purpose is and why he chose to remain away for so long. The giant dwells on these very thoughts, as well, with such emotion that his subsequent big, fat tears begin to flood the township.
Just
as it appears there is no end to his lamenting and the awful demise of the town’s
inhabitants is sealed, two children implore the giant to, stop! Despite
their lack of years, these children remember the giant from an old book, as a
benevolent, good friend with a penchant for play. Precisely the sort of fella
every child needs.
With
this simple acknowledgement, the trio play together upon the river the giant
inadvertently created until slowly child by child, person by person, each of
the town’s folk venture forth shedding their fears, remembering what a good, kind
friend he had been.
This
superlative book demonstrates that in the absence of fear, true understanding
and acceptance prevails. Perceptive and cleverly portrayed, the giant’s story
will appeal to older readers who might look further into themes of compassion,
caring for country, and the continuation and passing down of knowledge to
ensure true nirvana.
This
level of nuanced intricacy does not, however, exclude younger readers who will
find delight in the exquisitely rendered portrayal of the giant, his surrounds
and his emotive quest to ‘find a friend’, acceptance being a global desire after
all.
Indeed,
the accession to acceptance in this story is sublimely subtle thanks to
the giant's depiction in ways that echo Dahl’s BFG, Harry Potter’s Hagrid and
Grawp, Litchfield’s The Giant and The Boy, even Jack’s beanstalk
giant, forcing us to reconsider accepted norms and explore new beliefs. A
beautiful stretch of the imagination as it were which is exactly how the giant begins his
own reawakening.
Just how is this enlightened message made accessible to young readers? Through Masson’s astounding ability to weave abstract concept into clear lilting narrative and Carrington’s unique blend of collaged artwork. This combination is nothing short of breathtaking. Light and shade collide with real world glimpses of colour: a moss-covered valley, a rock-gnarled hillside, a grey slated roof.
The giant appears in darkened silhouetted form, rough and ragged around the
edges conveying enigmatic emotion, sadness and fear. This incompleteness smooths
to more solid assured lines once the dawn of realisation bathes the town.
This
is a masterpiece of story telling dressed uniquely by the creative duo who brought
us, Satin
yet stripped back to reveal the very essence of humanity. I loved it.
Highly
recommended reading.
Title: The Giant
Author: Sophie Masson
Illustrator: Lorena Carrington
Publisher: MidnightSun, $29.99
Publication Date: August 2025
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922858658
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book
