Giant Jack [Hardcover]

Birte Muller (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

From the beginning, Jack was different-much bigger than his sisters and far too clumsy to join in their games. His sisters are always laughing at him. But when Mother Mouse explains to Jack that his difference is what makes him so special to her, Jack is transformed. Happy and confident, he loves being big and strong, and his sisters discover just how great it is to have a brother like Giant Jack. Comical pictures illustrate this comforting story that will reassure adopted children and any youngster who has ever felt "different."

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Humorous hyperbole and credible affection infuse Miller's text and pictures and help deliver her worthwhile message clearly. Intentionally grainy, stylized pictures reveal just how different oversize, clumsy Jack is from his diminutive, graceful mice sisters. Flatfooted Jack in tutu and giant toe shoes trips over his long tail, while his siblings perform perfectly en pointe. His feet don't fit between the lines when he tries to play hopscotch. When the distraught fellow asks his mother why he is so "big and ugly" and so unlike his sisters, she explains that he is not a mouse child after all, but a rat child: "You look different because you came from a different family. But you belong to our family now and you always will." Suddenly, the tenor of the tale changes and the palette brightens as Jack gains new confidence and discovers "how good he was at lots of things." The transformed brother proudly balances his sisters on his shoulders and becomes the star of their soccer team ("With him in the game, they won every time!"). This uplifting celebration of differences among siblings will be especially welcomed by families with an adopted child. Ages 5-8.

Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-Jack realizes that he is different from his three look-alike mouse sisters. While they are petite and naturally graceful, he is large and clumsy, with a long, thick tail. The girls tease him incessantly, and he finally asks Mother Mouse why he is not like his siblings. Gently, she tells him that he is a rat child that she adopted as a baby: "You look different because you came from a different family. But you belong to our family now-and you always will." Armed with this knowledge, he no longer feels ugly or ungainly and quickly discovers his unique talents and strengths. His sisters soon realize the advantages of having a bigger brother, and all four siblings learn what it means to be a family. While the story's resolution is a bit pat, Jack's self-realization and transformation into a self-assured, fun-loving rat is appealing, and positive messages about appreciating your own abilities and being loved for who you are come through without preaching. The eye-catching artwork is filled with crisp colors and swirling textures. At first, Jack's feelings of isolation are echoed in the illustrations: he is shown alone, while his sisters are grouped together. Appropriately, the mood changes after he learns the truth. One spread depicts all four siblings playing jump rope with Jack's tail. The sparkling blue sky in the background accentuates the smiles on their faces, as well as the warmth of the satisfying ending.
Joy Fleishhacker, formerly at School Library Journal
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: North-South Books (February 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0735816204
• ISBN-13: 978-0735816206
• Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 8.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,232,866 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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