Sweet and strong in equal measure, and a little treasure to look at
The Stone Giant
The Stone Giant is a read-aloud storybook about cunning, courage and survival in which a girl sets out to save her father from the giant who turns everyone she meets to stone.
Written by Anna Höglund
Translated by Julia Marshall
Available as an ebook wherever you buy your ebooks
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Description
When her father leaves to save the people from a giant who turns them to stone with his gaze, the child in the red dress is left alone.
Many days and many nights go by. Every evening the girl says good night to herself in her mirror. When the last light burns down, the girl takes her mirror and a knife and sets out to find her father.
“I will save my father from the giant,” she says.
The Stone Giant is a contemporary and timeless fairytale that tells of a child who succeeds where adults cannot.
Based on a classic Swedish fairytale by Elsa Beskow, often called the Beatrix Potter of Scandinavia whose books have been read by Swedish children for over 100 years.
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Book Details
Country of Origin Sweden Reader Age 5-7 year, 6-8 year Book Size ISBN
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Reviews
Available worldwide from your local bookstore or online.
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My Kids Read the World –
I have no doubt we will find ourselves reading this book for years to come. Every group of kids I have shared it with has been enamored with it. This is one of my favorites from Gecko Press.
The Sapling, Bookshop List: Good Books from Good books –
This small, hardback picture book is one of those special objects Gecko Press does so well – a real cloth spine, and shiny gold and silver bits on the cover! The text is short and bittersweet, and evoked in me memories of Oscar Wilde’s fairytales, but don’t worry, this one is nowhere near as sad… I think you could give this to anyone over the age of three (even your mum) who appreciates a quiet, beautiful, triumphant tale.
Juno Magazine –
This is the most mesmeric book, with beautiful words and expressive illustrations.
Kids’ Book Review –
Another gorgeous publication from Gecko Press, The Stone Giant is a tale that reflects the determination, cunning and courage of a child to save the person she loves.
Presented as a gift book, its fantastic front and back cover, plus the extraordinary end pages, herald the beautifully told story.
With stunning illustrations, translated by Julia Marshall and based on a Swedish fairytale by Elsa Beskow, the tale is a winding road the protagonist takes to reach her destination, regardless of the obstacle she encounters along the way.
Book Trailers for Kids and YA –
This book is gorgeous from start to finish…I love everything about this book; the illustrations, the lyrical writing and the fable-like story, all delightfully packaged in this beautiful pint size book. Just gorgeous.
I dream of all the books –
There was something magical and whimsical about this story…The story instils within the reader a sense of determination and pragmatism – the child’s father (a knight!) did not return, therefore, she must go and find him. This logic also gives the reader a sense of power, as the child is not deterred by distance and time in her own adventure. The illustrations were absolutely stunning. The grey tones and the pops of red skilfully emphasised certain aspects of the images in relation to the story.
My Shelves are Full –
This is a compelling book to share aloud … Incredible illustrations create the atmosphere of danger and the bold red colour of the girls dress shows her outward courage! A new favourite for me!
School Library Connection –
This small, precious feeling volume, with its embossed and gilded title, marble endpapers, and a cloth spine, is sure to be loved.
The Sapling –
It really feels like a traditional story without being bogged down in old-fashioned language—presumably a factor of both the original Swedish writing and Julia Marshall’s capable and concise translation. And the fact that both the main character and the big bad villain are female is rather refreshing!…I’ve never been let down by the production of a Gecko title before, and they are certainly not slacking on this one. The paper is decadent and thick, the cloth spine, the shiny, almost reflective surface of the mirror on the back cover, the delicious swirling end papers that feel evocative of the marbling on turn-of-the-century book covers. I’ve told many a punter at Little Unity ‘you can’t go wrong with Gecko Press’ while brandishing one of their books at them, and The Stone Giant is no different. Sweet and strong in equal measure, and a little treasure to look at.
Good Reading –
This is one of those lovely little books that you wish you had when you were a child…This is not only a book where every page is of great beauty but a very cunning story so simply told.
Red Reading Hub –
There is SO much to love about this neo fairy story. The child’s bravery and determination; that the reader, like the child feels frissons of fear throughout; the slightly but not too scary, etched/ watercolour illustrations; the fact that magic doesn’t always have to be flashy – the quiet thoughtful approach shown here can work wonders; the joyful reunion that takes place, the excellent translation by Julia Marshall, and the beautiful production of the entire book.
Picture Books Blogger –
a compelling contemporary read
NZ Poetry Box, Paula Green –
What a delightful story housed in an exquisitely illustrated, lovingly produced object: The Stone Giant is a must-have book…The writing is simple – sweetly flowing – and it carries us like a little reading stream. You want to stay in the flow until the very end. The illustrations help build the mood – slightly scary, slightly anxious…The illustrations are gorgeous. So beautifully crafted – a mix of printing and watercolour. Full of mood and life and mystery. Glorious!
Volume –
The Stone Giant is both beautiful and taut. It is fairy-tale telling reminiscent of Grimms’, but not too scary for little ones…Clever and quick thinking makes the child the hero of this story… Anna Höglund’s text is sparse and direct, creating a harmonic synergy with the illustrations which are delicate and subtle in their detail. They are expressive and have layers of depth, with her use of black and small petals of colour, not often seen in children’s books.
INIS Magazine –
This masterful retelling of a classic Swedish fairy tale by Elsa Beskow would make a gorgeous addition to any bookshelf. With compelling language and amazing illustrations, Anna Höglund has proven that a well-told story really is timeless. The tale is a simple one; however, the magic of the story lies in the illustrations. Each page is a work of art.
Read it, Daddy! –
a fantastically dark little tale, not too scary for little ones but definitely one that evokes memories of classic Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Anderson tales…with illustrations packed with detail and a timeless charm…filled with originality and thrills.
Bookwitch –
Literature is full of clever little girls and stupid monsters. The Stone Giant by Anna Höglund, and translated by Julia Marshall, is one example.
Kids Lit Life –
I found the story line tight and fast paced, with no superfluous words or events. There is a hint of sarcasm, which I appreciate in a children’s book. The primarily black and white pencil illustrations are simple and almost dreamlike. I love the message it conveys that girls are brave, strong, witty, and can rescue their fathers. Big Kid told me her favorite part was when the girl and her father were together again at the end. She also liked that this book was more the size, and had the feel of a chapter book even though there were illustrations on every page.
Kirkus Reviews –
Höglund, a contemporary Swedish children’s-book creator, points to a story by legendary author/illustrator Elsa Beskow as this book’s inspiration. Translated from Swedish, the third-person text, always printed on verso and surrounded by generous white space, is brief yet specific, prompting ponderous pauses throughout. True to fairy-tale tradition, everyday objects possess the key to salvation. However, in a contemporary twist, it is not an adult or knight in shining armor but the child who does the rescuing, not through beauty or kindness but with fortitude and determination.