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Dear Book Lovers, Welcome! I am delighted that you have found The Through the Looking Glass blog. For over twenty years I reviewed children's literature titles for my online journal, which came out six times a year. Every book review written for that publication can be found on the Through the Looking Glass website (the link is below). I am now moving in a different direction, though the columns that I write are still book-centric. Instead of writing reviews, I'm offering you columns on topics that have been inspired by wonderful books that I have read. I tell you about the books in question, and describe how they have have impacted me. This may sound peculiar to some of you, but the books that I tend to choose are ones that resonate with me on some level. Therefore, when I read the last page and close the covers, I am not quite the same person that I was when first I started reading the book. The shift in my perspective might be miniscule, but it is still there. The books I am looking are both about adult and children's titles. Some of the children's titles will appeal to adults, while others will not. Some of the adult titles will appeal to younger readers, particularly those who are eager to expand their horizons.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: One hundred and thirty-two

The world is a full of dreadfully self centered people. There are the dictators who are willing to kill their people so that they can hold onto their power. There are the CEOs who are willing to fleece their employees and stockholders.There are the politicians who think nothing of deceiving the people who voted for them. It can be very depressing.

Today's book is about a giant who is generous and kind. Who is willing to give up his dream so that he can fulfill the dreams and needs of others. It is the perfect book to read when the woes of the world - big or small - are feeling heavy on ones shoulders.

Julia Donaldson
Illustrated by Axel Scheffler
Picture Book
For ages 4 to 6
Penguin, 2002, 0-14-240275-3
George is a giant who goes around every day wearing an old gown and a pair of old sandals. To say that he is scruffy looking is an understatement, and he is acutely aware of his less than fashionable look. One day George discovers that there is a new shop in town that sells clothes in giant sizes. He buys himself a very spiffy outfit and looks forward to being the “spiffiest giant in town.”
   Then George meets a very unhappy giraffe who has a nasty cold. What the giraffe needs is a long warm scarf that will keep his long cold neck warm. Being a very generous and kind giant, George gives the giraffe his new striped tie.
   As George walks home, he comes to the river and there he meets a goat sitting in a boat. The goat is very upset because a storm blew away his sail. How can he possible get from place to place in his boat without a sail? George quickly comes up with a solution. He gives the goat his new shirt and walks away feeling very happy. He has an undershirt to wear and he really doesn’t miss his shirt much at all, and he is still the “spiffiest giant in town.”
   In this heartwarming picture book, children will meet a giant who has a big and kind heart. Children will love the way George is rewarded for his kindness, and they will appreciate the fact that there are far more important things in this world than looking “spiffy.”
   This book was written and illustrated by the talented pair who gave us The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child. 

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