The Sleeping Giant

A new edition of an annual bestseller based on the first paperback edition published in 1998, this book will bring a new audience to a favourite with children all over Ireland. As a celebrated Irish author and illustrator for children, Fitzpatrick has filled the book with highly detailed, vibrant and atmospheric watercolour pictures. The colour palette varies from gently muted pastels to rich hues of reds and blues and purples, reflecting each present mood. The story is an ancient myth surrounding the life of the locals in Kerry and the surrounding countryside. There is a giant amidst them, a noisy, clumsy giant. The people decide they must find a way to get rid of him. A sleeping draught is administered, with the instruction from a druid for the giant “to go out into the sea and lie down out of the way.” With the strong potion, the giant does just that, grass growing over him, animals and seabirds nesting on him. He becomes a tourist attraction, and people come from miles around to see him. Until one day the giant wakes up, terrifying all the locals again with his noise and huge size. Pandemonium! He wants to be friendly, but all he incites is fear. Alone and upset, the giant cries and cries, causing rains like no-one has known. It is the little girl Ann, in every picture from the beginning, who finds a satisfying solution to the tale. A story to be read over and again; the rich language and the detailed pictures demand further enjoyment.