The Giant King
A Picture Book by Kathleen T. Pelley
Illustrated by Maurie J. Manning
Proceeds from this book go to Makumbi Children's Home in Zimbabwe, Africa—a home for AIDS orphans.
Some say that Rabbie, the carpenter's son, is a dreamer; but Rabbie says he works from his heart, carving not what is, but what could be. When Rabbie goes to a distant town to sell his carvings, he finds the town besieged by a fierce and destructive giant. The townspeople despair, but Rabbie suggests that if the giant were treated like a king, he might behave like one.
Readers will be charmed by the message of this heart-warming fable: that which is loved will reveal its loveliness.
Resources
Kathleen reading The Giant King:
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Winner of an NAPPA Storytelling Award!
Child and Family Press
Hardcover Picture Book (ages 6-10), November 2003, ISBN: 9780878688807
Spoken Word CD (ages 6-10), November 2010, ISBN: 978-1587601415
Praise
Adapted to a Musical by Candace Kirkpatrick and David Mullen, New Hope Academy, Franklin, Tennessee
"The text reads well and is complemented by full-color mostly full-spread illustrations...Buy where stories of tolerance are requested."
—School Library Journal
"Charmingly illustrated by Maurie J. Manning, The Giant King is a heartwarming and thoughtful story."
—Midwest Book Review
"A touching fantasy that is filled with truth. Told with understanding, this is a story children will love and learn from."
—Eve Bunting, Children's Author
"Kathleen Pelley has written a delightful story, with a message of strength and hope, about recognizing the potential in others... The Giant King is a parable encouraging us to look for the good in others—a parable that children (and adults) of all ages can benefit from. "
—Epinions.com
"The book opens up a wealth of opportunities to discuss how our actions affect others, looking beyond the obvious, and cultural differences. The illustrations are colorful and hold a child's attention well. The Giant King is a highly recommended read for all children."
—Harold McFarland, Book Reviewer
"In this fable-like story, Kathleen Pelley tells about a little Scottish woodcarver who helps to tame a ferocious giant through the power of kindness. The story echoes the old fairy tales in its style, and its gentle moral is especially timely in our own, often frightening world."
—Mary Ann Hoberman, Children's Author
"What a welcome tonic is this delightful story in a world where human kindness seems in short supply. Bravo to Kathleen Pelley!"
—Eileen Spinelli, Children's Author
"This is a powerful story that speaks to children of all ages about the secret of how to create a beautiful world...charming, enchanting, and challenging."
—Edward M. Hays, Author
"This is a wonderful story that teaches a very practical lesson in win win relationships—a must read for all children, it wouldn't hurt the adults either."
—Hyrum Smith, co-founder of the Franklin/Covey Company
