by Jane Yolen (Author) Paolo Domeniconi (Illustrator)
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In this classic-feeling fairy tale, an elderly giant with pale skin and a long white beard has grown weary of his reclusive life on a mountaintop overlooking the ocean. "He was tired of pretending by himself," writes Yolen (the How Do Dinosaurs Say series), "tired of playing checkers by himself, tired of reading out loud to himself, tired of singing both the soprano and the bass parts in all the songs." When the giant tromps into town for companionship, his arrival scares off everyone except pale-skinned Arabella, a redheaded, pigtailed child who also experiences loneliness ("No one in town had time to play checkers or anything at all with her"). After the two engage in a game and jump-rope, and read Arabella's books, the giant happily participates in a doll tea party, drinking water tea and eating mud cookies. Italian illustrator Domeniconi matches the text's composure, working in a formal painterly style that transports readers to a landscape suffused with golden light, at once magical and very human. There's no big revelation, no moment of conflict--just the quiet joy exuding from two people who have found a boon companion. Ages 5-9. (Nov.)
Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Jane Yolen is the author of over 400 books for children and adults. Her books, stories, and poems have won many awards including the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, two Christopher Medals, three Golden Kite Awards, and the Jewish Book Award. She lives in Hatfield, MA. Visit janeyolen.com, @Jane.Yolen on Facebook, @JaneYolen on Twitter, and @JYolen on Instagram.
Nicole Wong is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design. Her illustrations have been featured in several children's books, including No Monkeys, No Chocolate and Ferry Tail. Nicole lives with her husband, daughter, and their dogs and cat in Massachusetts. Visit nicole-wong.com, and @PainterNik9 on Instagram.