The Dwarf Giant (Greenwillow Books) [Paperback]

Anita Lobel (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 24, 1996 | Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: Greenwillow Books

Prince Mainichi and Princess Ichinichi are visited by a rude dwarf, who inflicts upon them evil and dangerous games before revealing his true self.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"Lobel demonstrates the breadth of her talent in this tale set in long-ago Japan," said PW, adding that her "enchanting" paintings contribute to the story's "timeless quality." Ages 5-up.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-- In this story set in Japan, a strange redheaded dwarf arrives in the country of Prince Mainichi and Princess Ichinichi. With a magical flute he enchants the household and makes them dance to his music until the palace is a shambles. The bored prince, who behaves like an adolescent, is delighted and follows the dwarf in his destructive activities, while the alarmed princess goes to a farm family to collect her thoughts. Meanwhile, the dwarf's excesses have frightened the prince, and the evil stranger reveals that he plans to take over the kingdom. In the end, the princess's cleverness saves her husband and their land. The tale does present a lively and strong woman, but it is not perfectly realized. The story is slight, and the characters are not interesting enough to engage readers' sympathy. The conclusion is abrupt, and the informal language doesn't seem appropriate to the courtly setting. The paintings are attractive and often graceful; many are of Japanese art and architecture. Although this is not one of Lobel's more memorable efforts, it may be useful in large collections because of the active female character and the exotic setting. --Marilyn Iarusso, New York Public Library
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books; 1st Mulberry Ed edition (May 24, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 068814408X
• ISBN-13: 978-0688144081
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,520,755 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars What a fun and entertaining book!, December 29, 2011

By 

R Schmidt (Honolulu, HI USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Dwarf Giant (Greenwillow Books) (Hardcover)

A mysterious dwarf arrives as an unexpected guest of Prince Mainichi and Princess Ichinichi. The prince is enchanted by the playfulness of the dwarf, who eventually confesses his goal to take over the kingdom. But the princess, with the help of some farmers, has other plans for the dwarf.

Nicely illustrated and written by Anita Lobel.