The Smartest Giant in Town - Softcover

PreS-Gr. 1. George, a giant, buys a spiffy new wardrobe to replace his worn, patched gown and sandals. Soon he strides through town and country, singing to himself and helping those he meets along the way. He gives his tie to a giraffe with a cold neck, one of his shoes to a mouse for a home, and his belt to help a dog who keeps sinking in a muddy bog. When his unbelted pants fall down (a sight that will provoke hoots and giggles from the story hour set), George realizes that he's cold. Once he finds his old clothes and his new friends again, he's warm both inside and out. George's song, which becomes longer each time he sings it, functions as a cumulative reflection of his good deeds and a rhythmic, rhyming break from the prose text. Children will find this an appealing tale, with especially nice art. Scheffler creates an unabashedly childlike, imaginary land where clothed animals, people, and giants peacefully coexist. Amusing details abound in the lively, colorful illustrations. Carolyn Phelan
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