Giant on the Shore - by Alfonso Ochoa (Hardcover)

About the Book

A giant stands on the shore of a secluded city: a place where no trains pass through, where you can hear the sound of birds, and the air smells of bread. What would happen if the giant entered the city? Would the people welcome him? Would they invite him to play in their games? Would they tell him stories and teach him to dance? Would he need lawn mowers to trim his beard and power cables to jump rope? Or would he simply return to the waves?

Book Synopsis

2025 Bank Street College of Education Children's Book Committee Best Children's Book of the Year

A tender fable about overcoming loneliness and welcoming new possibilities.

A giant stands on the shore of a secluded city: a place where no trains pass through, where you can hear the sound of birds, and the air smells of bread. What would happen if the giant entered the city? Would the people welcome him? Would they invite him to play in their games? Would they tell him stories and teach him to dance? Would he need lawn mowers to trim his beard and power cables to jump rope? Or would he simply return to the waves?

Featuring poignant, acrylic paintings by award-winning illustrator Azul López, Giant on the Shore is a tale of vulnerability and belonging that explores the enormity of self-doubt and the tremendous potential in taking risks.

Review Quotes

"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 . . . A glorious look at the potential benefits and vulnerabilities of a new possibility." -- Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

"Giant on the Shore perfectly captures the ennui specific to the enormous...These are dreams drawn from the subconscious, realized by gifted artists, suitable for study by children awake to the surreal and the sublime." -- Dave Eggers, The New York Times Book Review

About the Author

Azul López is a Mexican illustrator of books for children and young adults, including Giant on the Shore and Look Up, both forthcoming from Transit Children's Editions. She is the recipient of the International Illustration Bologna Children's Book Fair-Fundación SM award.

Alfonso Ochoa is a creative director of Ochogallos, a creative office dedicated to developing digital content around literature. He is the author of three books and the creator of Tree With Legs, winner of the 3rd Paula Benavides International Interactive Animated Book Award in Spanish.