Published on 19th November 2019
Greta and the Giants is inspired by the young climate change activist, Greta Thunberg: there is further information about Greta’s campaign to have the damage caused by climate change taken seriously at the end of the book, as well as ways to help her.
This allegorical story is aimed at 4-7-year olds: the simple, descriptive language and bright, colourful pictures will really capture the imagination of this age group. The story is told just as much through the pictures as through the text.
Greta lives in the heart of a beautiful forest where she is friends with the animals who also live there. However, Giants (humans) are destroying their home, so the animals beg Greta for help. The Giants are portrayed as the destructors of the forest, taking more and more trees in their greed and desire to build more and more. There is a stark contrast between the bright and colourful images of the forest and the darkness and ugliness of the city.
Greta is unafraid of the Giants and is determined to help her friends by taking a stance, even though she is only a child herself. At first Greta is ignored, but as more and more people and animals join her, they discover that, by working together, they can make a difference.
This is a story tinged with sadness, but with a strong sense of hope that is uplifting. The message of the empowerment to be gained from working together to force others to listen to an important message regarding the environment is a powerful one.
I really liked the happy ending and was pleased that it was a happy ending for everyone!
Thank you to NetGalley and the Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Book Craic 