The Giant's Toe [Hardcover]

Brock Cole (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1986 | Age Level: 6 and up

A giant accidentally cuts off his toe and it develops a character of its own.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Cole has created an unlikely duo in his latest booka clumsy giant and his troublesome toe. Dressed in baggy pants with suspenders, a floral print shirt and straw hat, Cole's giant resembles a retired W. C. Fields, with bushy eyebrows protruding over a bulbous nose. While hoeing among his cabbages one day, the giant accidentally strikes his foot and suddenly a tiny imp appears, presumably a magical incarnation of his toe. Their acquaintance quickly sours, however, and the giant's revenge is thwarted by the meddlesome toe in a round of comic upsets. Whimsical illustrations animate the story, which will leave readers hoping for further episodes.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3 An original, rather odd, tale of an elderly, dull-witted giant and his "toe." Chopped off while the giant hoed his cabbages, the "toe" proceeds to give him a very hard time, disposing of his prized hen (that lays golden eggs) and his harp (that sings all by itself). But it's the same "toe" that manages to get rid of the mean-looking troublemaker named Jack, convincing the giant of his worth and earning his rightful place in the giant's affection. The colorful watercolor illustrations are evocative and great fun. The delightful use of language makes this a super read-aloud choice for children old enough to appreciate the humor. Cole's best effort to date. Luann Toth, Summit Free Public Library, N.J.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Farrar Straus & Giroux (J); 1st edition (June 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374325596
• ISBN-13: 978-0374325596
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,706,253 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My kids absolutely love this book, March 10, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Giant's Toe (Hardcover)

I first saw this book in the public library. Everytime we went to the library, my oldest son, then 4, would head straight for The Giant's Toe every time. I found a copy in the bookstore and my kids still read it 2-3 times a week! It's not uncommon to hear "What are you doing, Toe?" in my house. This book is just a lot of fun.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This will be one of the best books in your kids' library, December 10, 2005

By 

R. Roy (New York City, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Giant's Toe (Paperback)

"The Giant's Toe" is exceptionally well written and wonderfully illustrated, regardless what moral you wish to extract from it. My kids continue to laugh each time it's read to them, and as a testament to the author's craftmanship I enjoy it as much as they do.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read-aloud for any age, January 17, 2011

By 

Diana Alford - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Giant's Toe (Paperback)

I discovered The Giant's Toe at a workshop for middle school teachers many years ago. It became an instant favorite with my 8th graders as a read-aloud during our Silent Reading time. The story has an interesting twist on the Jack and the Beanstalk theme; with *the toe* being in charge of all. Read aloud with voices of the toe and the Giant - and JACK - this book quickly became a once a week favorite. Jerry Pinkney is one of my favorite illustrators of childrens' books, and his lovely water colors add so much to this story. I just bought another copy for my friend's two year old daughter- to allow her to enjoy the story - and begin to learn the voice of *the toe* - Great fun for everyone!!!! You will want to read it to yourself to practice your voice-over skills.