Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
The Spiffiest Giant in Town
Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
Picture Book
For ages 4 to 6
Penguin, 2005 ISBN: 0142402753
George is a giant who goes around every day wearing an old gown and a pair of old sandals. To say that he is scruffy looking is an understatement, and he is acutely aware of his less than fashionable look. One day George discovers that there is a new shop in town that sells clothes in giant sizes. He buys himself a very spiffy outfit and looks forward to being the “spiffiest giant in town.”
Then George meets a very unhappy giraffe who has a nasty cold. What the giraffe needs is a long warm scarf that will keep his long cold neck warm. Being a very generous and kind giant, George gives the giraffe his new striped tie.
As George walks home, he comes to the river and there he meets a goat sitting in a boat. The goat is very upset because a storm blew away his sail. How can he possible get from place to place in his boat without a sail? George quickly comes up with a solution. He gives the goat his new shirt and walks away feeling very happy. He has an undershirt to wear and he really doesn’t miss his shirt much at all, and he is still the “spiffiest giant in town.”
In this heartwarming picture book, children will meet a giant who has a big and kind heart. Children will love the way George is rewarded for his kindness, and they will appreciate the fact that there are far more important things in this world than looking “spiffy.”
This book was written and illustrated by the talented pair who gave us The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child.
