The Romantic Giant

A delightful and funny love story, from the author of the Pongwiffy stories. Waldo, a giant, falls in love with Princess Clarissa after seeing her picture in a magazine. His neighbour, a leopard skin clad, arm-wrestling giantess called Heavy Hetty, tries to persuade Waldo that he and the princess are just not meant for each other. Waldo has other ideas. He tries poetry, flowers and chocolates in a desperate effort to win the love of the princess but doesn’t even get to meet her. After serenading her outside the palace Waldo is told to clear off by the court officials.

Waldo’s infatuation with the princess is over and he returns to his cave to invite Heavy Hetty, inevitably, to a romantic evening of arm-wrestling, by candlelight. Weir’s full-colour illustrations, a new addition to the text which was first published in 1994, are truly hilarious. I especially like the one of Heavy Hetty, in bulging tracksuit bottoms, leopard skin top, and sporting bright red lipstick and nails. The sheep she is juggling have the most amazing expressions. Absolutely priceless!