From Publishers Weekly
Big Jeremy is large in stature and big of heart; he is a true gentle giant. For years he lives peacefully at the edge of the Terisons' apple orchard, basking in their friendship and helping with the family chores in his own monumental fashion--picking a season's worth of apples in an afternoon, for example. His size more often hinders than helps and frequently Jeremy gets in his own clumsy way. After one unfortunate incident Jeremy sadly leaves: "He built a raft and floated away down the river." The Terisons and Jeremy all suffer from his absence, and he finally returns, happy to feel needed. Though somewhat simplistic, Kroll presents his affecting tale of friendship from an unusual--gigantic--perspective. Carrick's outrageously funny illustrations are warm with folksy appeal. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2-- Big Jeremy is a friendly giant who reads the daily paper in a chair that's the size of an elephant and cooks his dinner on a stove as big as a grizzly bear. When his employers' apple orchard catches on fire, Jeremy blows it out with one deep breath and disastrous results. His own clumsiness causes him to leave the Terisons' farm he loves so well, until his help is needed to set the family to rights once again. In this delightful tall tale, the story line follows the familiar "foolish giant" theme with a satisfying happily-ever-after outcome. Carrick's loose watercolor sketches are lively and humorous in their portrayal of Big Jeremy as an endearing, oversized jack-of-all-trades, complete with giant-sized L. L. Bean-style duck boots, and perfect for the story's Maine setting. There's enough action here to make this a good bet for the preschool read-aloud crowd. --Megan McDonald, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
