Giant Island - by Jane Yolen (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Under Grandpa's watchful eye, the kids are thrilled to discover that the craggy rocks, tufted grass, and windswept trees on Giant Island are much more than they seem. Are the children the first to fathom this huge secret, or does Grandpa have a secret of his own?"--

Book Synopsis

In this wondrous book by award-winning fantasy author Jane Yolen and award-winning fantasy illustrator Doug Keith, two children and a dog explore the coves and caves of a tiny island. Under the watchful eye of Grandpa, the kids are thrilled to discover a huge surprise: the craggy rocks, tufted grass, and wind-swept trees on Giant Island are much more than they seem. Jane Yolen's text entrances readers with hints of age-old magic, and pays tribute to mystery, curiosity, and friendship. Doug Keith's paintings invite readers to discover the giant secret for themselves. Visit Giant Island, where fantastical adventures await.

Review Quotes

"Award-winning author Yolen... sings old songs in new ways." --Publishers Weekly

"Layers of intrigue surround this fun book from Jane Yolen and Doug Keith. [Recommended for] Lovers of Jane Yolen's picture books and anyone who loves when the illustrations tell a story that the words do not." --Pam WattsFlavin, Head of Children's Services, Robbins Library, Arlington, MA

Newsweek called Jane Yolen "The Hans Christian Anderson of American children's literature" due to her significant contributions to children's literature, especially her original and collected fairy tales.

"Ava and Mason are on an outdoor adventure to go fishing and explore Giant Island with their grandpa....After reading this book with enjoyable dialogue and fun illustrations, young outdoor enthusiasts will want to go out and explore an island themselves." -- The Columbian for Kids

"The pictures of the giant/island were so fun. And I loved the detail of the end pages. The ones in front showing the islands and the ones in back showing those same islands.... Kids will love comparing the two." --Stacy Bush Putman, Stacy's Books

"Giant Island arrived today and it is gorgeous! Magical.... Simply beautiful! The cover is amazing with the gloss. I love the interior pages too. I think every bookstore on every island will want to order this book for years to come." --Karen S. Robbins, Award-winning children's author and former Romper Room teacher

"A beautifully imaginative tale of discovery and magic and family history on an island that really lives up to its name." --Delia Sherman, anthologist and fantasy writer

"Gigantic adventures await on Giant Island! Jane Yolen's inquisitive text brightens Doug Keith's well observed watercolors. I can't wait to visit again!" --Tony DiTerlizzi, The Spiderwick Chronicles

"Jane Yolen, who sees stories everywhere, takes a giant leap here. Through her text and through comic and scintillating illustrations by Doug Keith, we learn that though no man may be an island, an island might be--well, a giant adventure, at least." --Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked

"Keep your eyes wide open. There may be more than one giant in this magical place with giants who keep giant secrets." --David L. Harrison, author of The Book of Giant Stories

"Lovingly rendered in whimsical illustrations that bring this fairy tale to life." --Danielle Ballantyne, Foreword Review

"This delightful book, with its slow and delicious reveal of the life of a magical island, will enchant those children who know (much better than we adults do!) how truly alive the world can be!" --Bruce Coville, Author of +100 titles

"The wonder of childhood comes alive...literally..... Childhood magic shared with a new generation." --Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Doug Keith has over thirty years' experience as an illustrator, designer, and fine artist. His resume includes forty plus illustrated books, a Benjamin Franklin Award for interior design, a television Emmy award for graphic design, and commissioned works at Windermere Real Estate and Puget Sound Energy. Doug lives in Seattle, Washington, surrounded by the mountains and water that inspired Giant Island. Jane Yolen is a writer of fantasy, science fiction, and children's books. She is the author or editor of over 400 books for children, teens, and adults, including Owl Moon, winner of the Caldecott award, How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight, and the rest of the beloved How Do Dinosaurs series. She lives in Western Massachusetts. Two islands figure in Jane's background: Manhattan Island where she spent her early years, and the Isle of Skye in Scotland where she has spent lots of time for the past 30 summers. Either of them could have housed a giant.