'But look me up and down - I'm the smartest giant in town' (The Smartest Giant in Town - Julia Donaldson)

Member Name: pmcds

Product:	The Smartest Giant in Town - Julia Donaldson
Date:	14/11/09 (50 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great tale and illustrations

Disadvantages: Nothing

Julia Donaldson is a very popular children's author. She has a knack of creating great stories, making them even more appealing with the wording and often the rhyming, andalso with the relaxing and involving colours in the illustrations, usually by Alex Scheffler.

The Smartest Giant In Town tells the tale of George the Giant, who is unhappy because he only has a raggedy old gown and a pair of old sandals to wear. He decides to go and buy himself some new clothes, but out on a walk wearing his new getup, he finds himself losing his clothing piece by piece as he endeavours to help others in need by solving their problems with his wardrobe! Finally, he arrives back home, cold and near clothesless, only to find a nice surprise there waiting for him.

It's a really nice tale that involves George being a giant quite cleverly, such as using his show as a home for mice and donating his sock to a fox who has a soaking wet sleeping bag. I suppose the moral of the story is to be kind and helpful to others in need.

Donaldson's writing is appealing, easy to read and well spaced out with the illustrations to make it easier for younger readers to try on their own. Our 5 year old has been given this one as his latest reading book, to challenge him as he is dong so well, but he managed to cruise through it. There are some nice rhyming parts after each of George's good deeds, which sets a structure out for the story, and I think this format makes kids want to read a bit more, as they want to see where the familiar parts progress to. Our son's anticipation of each of the rhyming verses was quite intriguing to watch.

Scheffler's illustrating is very appealing. It is quite rounded in terms of the contours, and is appealing and soft and relaxing. Quite often, illustrators tend to use too many harsh lines and colours, but here it is also soft whilst maintaining distinction and vibrance. Full colours and impressive artwork.

Overall, it is a book I recommend for your kids, of any age really. There's nothing scary in it, just some good illustrations and a ncie story. I recommend all of Donaldson's books. She's on top of her game with these books, and I hope she writes many more. The book retails at £5.99.

Summary: Julia Donaldson book about a generous giant