A Scottish fable about the transforming power of love
by Kathleen T. Pelley

Illustrated by Maurie J. Manning
Published by Child and Family Press
ISBN: 0-87868-880-3
Download Teachers' Guide
Reading Sample #1: (length: 15 secs.)
Reading Sample #2: (length: 12 secs.)

"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.

Reviews

"This story set in Scotland plays out much like a folktale. The text reads well and is complemented by full-color mostly full-spread illustrations. Black outlines accentuate the figures and suggest the appearance of carved wood. Buy where stories of tolerance are requested. Kathleen Simonetta. Copyright © Reed Business Information."
- School Library Journal

"The Giant King is a colorful picturebook about the hidden potential within people's hearts. When a giant besieges a town, an inspired woodcarver reasons that if the giant is treated like a king, he may come to act like one..and with gifts, he sparks a transformation. The giant becomes a king in spirit, to the extent that he would protect his people with his life - as a true king must always do. 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. In a tale that is evocative of Tomie de Paolo, Pelley introduces us to a simple, wise lad with a special talent. Rabbie is a carpenter and a wood carver whose talent lies in his ability to see. 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. Copyright © October 2003."
- Epinions.com

"An enchanting children's story, "The Giant King" teaches two very important life lessons. The first is that you have to look beyond the outward appearances of a person to see their true value as a person. The second lesson is that people often act the way we expect them to act. If we change the way we treat them they generally change the way they treat us. The story itself is set in Scotland where the young boy Rabbie teaches the villagers to see beyond the outward appearances of the giant and find the good giant inside. 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, Author of "A House is a House for Me"

"What a welcome tonic is this delightful story in a world where human kindness seems in short supply. Bravo to Kathleen Pelley!"
- Eileen Spinelli, author of Sophie's Masterpiece and Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch

"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 of St. George and the Dragon and The Quest for the Holy Grail

"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

For a list of other books on peacemaking, go to http://ww.tlpeace.org.au.

This book is available at your local bookstore, http://www.booksense.com, or http://www.amazon.com.
or from the publisher at 1-800-407-6273 or http://www.cwla.org/pubs.

"The Giant King" has also been adapted to a play. Click here to read about it and see some photos.