Goliath: The Boy Who Was Different

by Ximo Abadía

A story about a boy who was a little too big for his boots ... Goliath always knew he was special. He was big. He was brave. He was the strongest. He was different! Convinced that his home had nothing more to offer, Goliath headed out into the world to show everyone what he was really made of. But he didn't look so brave when confronted with the sea and he didn't look so big when stood next to the Sun. So what does being big and brave mean? And why was he determined to be that way ... ? Critically acclaimed author and illustrator Ximo Abadía explores concepts of boyhood, growing up, learning, and the complexities we all face in search of our place. Abadía's vibrant colours and distinctive modern style invites a new reading of a traditional story. Goliath is a tale that is sweet, funny and utterly charming.

Genres: Picture Books, Storytime, Fiction, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published April 15, 2019

About the author

Ximo Abadía is a highly acclaimed artist, living and working in Spain. He has illustrated numerous publications including The Speed of Starlight and his work was selected for the Bologna Children's Illustrator's Exhibition in 2017.

Reviews

[Elaine Fultz, Teacher Librarian, MLS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unique artwork, familiar message. The feeling of Otherness can be applied to anyone who feels/has felt different.

[bookishlimitless · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare to be moved, inspired and motivated that our differences are the threads that enrich the fabric of humanity. If you crack my spooky introduction then yes, this book is a walking moral boost of confidence. Every illustration is a tapestry woven into words that could only be described by the illustrator who laid out the carpet of wisdom. Each visual representation is a sack of detail with a respective phrase that is mutually exclusive to cherish. Murder me to get back to the world of Goliath and the precious wisdom moon where the facts are plugged inside. This is the true definition of feeling Zen in my small world which is within my immortal self ‘me’. My ratings for this wisdom cup is 5 out of 5. Hold and enter to discover the hidden gem.

[Alyssa Gudenburr · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great book that read like a fable. The story is about a boy who was very big and felt sad for being different. He goes on a journey to discover more like him and discovers how being different is special. There is one page that might be scary for little kids that has large eyes. Otherwise it would make a great read aloud for elementary children.

[Christie Kaaland · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a time in our history when many seemed focused on our differences, this timely slim tale of a boy born gigantic is a thought-provoking one. Goliath was the only one of his size and it was lonely. It took the wise moon who shared the insignificance of comparisons before Goliath accepted himself.

[Fipah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful children's picture book that in few large pages explores the idea of being different and lonely and, ultimately, acceptance. Everyone is special and being different is okay! <3

[Trevor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The meaning in this book is as beautiful as the illustration and printing. Just gorgeous and moving all around.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A boy feels he is too old, too big just too differnt than everyone else. Can he find his place? Love the boy is a giagantic red thing. Elementary and up

[Anneke Alnatour · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the illustrations, the story and the message!

[Raven Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feel good story about just being you. Unusual art that fits the theme nicely

[Adriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully designed book.
Theme: self acceptance

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the colors and the art style. It was a great book about being different.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moral of the story: We are all different and that's okay.

Fascinating artwork.