Where the Giant Sleeps (Hardcover)

by Mem Fox (Author), Vladimir Radunsky (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

Review
* "Radunsky makes a strong bid for another New York Times Best Illustrated honor, setting Fox's brief, murmurous bedtime rhyme to dreamy close-ups of an archipelago revealed in the first spread to be a sleeping giant. Seen through the telescope of a child who snuggles into bed at the end, a fairy dozes in the grove of trees that is the giant's hair, a goblin hugs its teddy bear in a haystack, witches sleep in a house on one thigh-shaped peninsula and a dragon snores atop a lighthouse on the other, as an ogre "takes a rest from roaring" on a passing ship. Only the elves are awake, "sewing with all their might, / to make a quilt of moons and stars / to wrap you in . . . tonight." Casting dim moonlight over drowsy forms made with cloudy edges and soft colors, the artist expertly captures the poem's tone and makes the slide down into dreamland well-nigh inevitable. (Picture book. 3-5)" --Kirkus Reviews (starred review) (Kirkus Reviews )

Product Description

Do ogres snore? Do pirates have blankies? Do fairies suck their thumbs? We may never know the answers to these questions. But if we're lucky--and very observant--we might be able to catch a glimpse of some fantastic creatures, all fast asleep.     In soothing rhyme, bestselling author Mem Fox explores the sleeping habits of our favorite inhabitants from the world of fairy tales. Vladimir Radunsky fills a dreamy, picturesque landscape with surprising and fun details. Fairies, wizards, goblins, and even children all find peace under the same bright moon.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books (October 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152057854
• ISBN-13: 978-0152057855
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 10.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #423,502 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #9 in	Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( R ) > Radunsky, Vladimir
  #38 in	Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( F ) > Fox, Mem
  #70 in	Books > Children's Books > Issues > Sleep

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars It's ahuge hit with my grandchildren!, October 24, 2007

By	ANN GORDON (BOSTON ,MA) - See all my reviews

The latest book from Mem Fox created a real revolution in our family; it' a huge hit with my
grandchildren. They are reading and memorizing the crystal-clear poetry,written in a traditional
English manner, and all the walls in our house are covered with my granddaughters' naive attempts
to copy paintings created by the great children books illustrator, Vladimir Radunsky.
This kinds of books are becoming more and more rare in our society, and it makes me happy
to see that contemporary children wil be able to enjoy and be inspired by good literature and art.

5.0 out of 5 stars "giants" of American contemporary children's books, October 24, 2007

By	Artbooker "Sashart" (NY USA) - See all my reviews

The most beloved Australian poet Mem Fox (Whoever You Are, Time for Bed, Possum Magic) creates another wonderful lullaby in which her minimalist style brings forth an incredible cast of fairy-tale characters (goblins, pixies, witches, ogre, dragon, etc.). Following this "portrait gallery" we arrive at the last stanza of the poem, "But here the elves are wide awake -- sewing with all their might to make a quilt of moon and stars to wrap you in...tonight." The illustrator, Vladimir Radunsky, has chosen one of his most virtuoso techniques: the pictures are painted in a fabulous romantic realistic manner. It's been two months since this book appeared in our home, and my children ( 4-year old Ellis and 7-year old Colin) have been marooned on the enchanted island that has sprung from the lively imagination of these "giants" of American contemporary children's books.

5.0 out of 5 stars a great book, October 24, 2007

By	Kim Rayevsky (parksville, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I recently wrote and published my first children's book. I am especially interested in
children's books' role in early childhood development. I have "Where the Giant Sleeps" in my collection. It is a wonderful tool. Mem Fox and Vladimir Radunsky have produced a book that fits perfectly into a collection of traditional nursery rhymes, and the illustrations capture a child's imagination as no film ever could. I can assure that it has staying power through it's warm imagery and charming text for bedtime and classroom.