Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1--4--A giant approaches a small island city completely undetected. The narrator describes what might have unfolded had the giant come ashore--the jubilant celebrations, daring expeditions, and even his unlikely role as a bass player in the local orchestra. But all is pure conjecture, as in reality the giant turns and seemingly learning from the waves that come up on the beach then leave, also departs. In this allegorical tale exploring themes of loneliness and taking risks, the deeper message may elude young readers. The translated poetry skillfully uses line breaks and repetition to create a gentle rhythm. Thickly textured acrylic paintings and the use of symbols and shadows offer vital clues about the giant's whereabouts. What will be hard for readers is determining which illustrations are reality and which are the imaginings of the narrator. Without this understanding, they will struggle to follow this elongated musing. For anyone unwilling to simply succumb to the lyrical writing and the images, the tale falls flat and will leave readers with more questions than answers. VERDICT As parable or otherwise, this is too subtle and undeveloped for young readers. Not recommended.--Louie Lauer
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Review by Horn Book Review
In this evocative picture book originally published in Mexico, painterly illustrations and poetic text ponder the existence of a mysterious invisible giant. "He wasn't hard to see," the first page says of the giant, but the image -- an overhead view of dark, stormy sea -- reveals no giant; on the next pages, a huge footprint appears in the negative space within a flock of "seagulls like insects." Suggestive images that vary in perspective continue to allude to the titular giant, while the text speaks of the story the author would tell "if" the giant came to shore. Perplexing? Yes, but curious readers will enjoy mining each spread of gorgeous, expansive art for meaning. (c) Copyright 2025. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A modern-day fable about taking risks. A giant emerges from the vast ocean and comes ashore near a small city so quiet that "you can hear the movie theater over the bustle of the cars." An unseen narrator asks what would happen if the giant entered the city and immersed himself in their society. Would the citizens "welcome him the way they do the first rain"? Would "the old folks" of the town "tell him old stories"? Would he play hide-and-seek with the "tiny inhabitants," or would he gaze at the waves and "wonder why they turn back before arriving"? Young readers will relate to the emotions felt by both the narrator and the giant as they ponder the potential pros and cons of jumping into a new experience. Intricate, painterly illustrations beautifully capture the potential journey taken by the giant. López plays adeptly with perspective, making the city and its residents appear even smaller while the physical and existential presence of the giant looms larger. Spreads featuring large footprints on the beach and in the surf and giant-shaped holes in the forest canopy are particularly striking, paired with the elegant, spare text, translated from Spanish. The unnamed humans in the city are depicted with various shades of brown and tan skin tones. We see only glimpses of the giant: a darkened silhouette, a pair of legs. A glorious look at the potential benefits and vulnerabilities of a new possibility. (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
