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ksoles
Feb 17, 2015ksoles rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
When George, the scruffiest giant in town, gets the chance to swap his patched old gown and brown sandals for a smart pair of shoes, argyle socks, trousers, a white shirt and a stripy tie, he promptly jumps at it. Feeling very spiffy indeed, George heads home but, on his way, he meets several animals trying to overcome disasters. Each needs help in the form of one piece from George's attire and, being a friendly giant, George doesn't hesitate to assist his pals. As a result, he ends up a very cold giant and has to resurrect his old gown and sandals. He begins to feel melancholy but soon finds himself surrounded by grateful animals who chant: "Your tie is a scarf to a cold giraffe, Your shirt's on a boat as a sail for a boat...So here is a very fine crown to go with the sandals and gown of the KINDEST giant in town." Donaldson tells the story in prose but includes some trademark flowing rhymed sections. She presents a classic children's book construction in which the protagonist goes through a series of similar experiences in different guises. Thus, the theme and the plot prove very accessible for small children, who will love the repetition and silliness involved. As always, the vivid, bold and entertaining illustrations of Axel Sheffler captivate children and the humorous scenery of a quaint world inhabited by both giants and humans will even hold adults' interest. A book that both entertains from toddlerhood to preschool and advocates for kindness over appearance in a society in which some see dowdiness as a moral transgression.