The Foolish Giant

by Bruce Coville, Katherine Coville

Banned from his town for constantly--inadvertently--causing trouble, Harry the giant finally gets his chance to help by defeating an evil wizard. PW termed the lovable tale "a treat for beginning readers and grand make-believe." Ages 3-7.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

Paperback

First published October 1, 1978

About the author

Bruce Coville was born in Syracuse, New York, in 1950. His family lived in farm territory, about twenty miles north of Syracuse. Bruce grew up around the corner from his grandparents' dairy farm, where he spent a great deal of time as a child, dodging cows and chores to the best of his ability. As a young reader he loved Mary Poppins and Dr. Dolittle, and still has fond memories of rising ahead of the rest of his family so he could huddle in a chair and read THE VOYAGES OF DR. DOLITTLE. He also read lots of things that people consider junk (Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, Tom Swift, and zillions of comic books). His only real regret is the time he spent watching television, when he could have been reading instead. (A mind is a terrible thing to waste!)

His first book, THE FOOLISH GIANT, was published in 1978. It was illustrated by his wife, Katherine, whom he had married in 1969. This was followed in 1979 by SARAH'S UNICORN, also illustrated by Katherine. After a long period of working separately, the Covilles began collaborating again with SPACE BRAT and GOBLINS IN THE CASTLE, both published in 1992.

Before getting published Bruce earned his living as a toymaker, a gravedigger, a cookware salesman, an assembly line worker, and finally as an elementary school teacher (second and fourth grades). He left teaching in 1981 to devote himself to becoming a full time writer - though it took another five years to achieve that goal!)

Bruce has published over 100 books, which have appeared in over a dozen countries around the world and sold more than sixteen million copies. Among his most popular titles are MY TEACHER IS AN ALIEN, INTO THE LAND OF THE UNICORNS, and THE MONSTER'S RING. In 2001 he founded Full Cast Audio, an audiobook company dedicated to creating unabridged, full cast recordings of the best in children's and young adult literature.

Reviews

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite book as a child. It cuts into the feelings of shame that people can have when they do wrong and the subsequent feelings of joy they can have when they redeem themselves.

[Heather Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

megan summer reading 2018, children's book, picture book, goblins in the castle,

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really cute story and a great backstory for the Goblins books by Coville. It's funny and heartwarming. I highly recommend this title.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having attended Wetzal Road Elementary (and part of the 4th grade original cast of his collaborative musical with Angela Peterson "Dragon Slayers"),this -amongst many of Mr. Coville's books were practically required reading! Beautifully written and illustrated by his extremely talented wife, I would recommend his books to children of all ages.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

An early reading picture book about a big-hearted giant who isn't very bright but who is brave and unselfish. Endearing illustrations, compelling story with humor, magic, an evil wizard and STONE TOADS -- a timeless read aloud.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

the foolish giant bruce coville is an early reader learning to accept others, as the foolish giant learns to accept responsibility for his actions