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Greta and the Giants
This picture book tells the story of Nobel Peace Prize nominee Greta Thunberg—the Swedish teenager who has led a global movement to raise awareness about the world’s climate crisis—using allegory to make this important topic accessible to young children.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published November 19, 2019
27 people are currently reading
883 people want to read
About the author
Zoë Tucker
7 books12 followersZoë Tucker is passionate about picture books. Working as an art director and designer, she has the opportunity to work with authors, artists, and publishers from all over the world. Zoë lives and works on the south coast of England with her husband, Adam, and a cat called Murray. She is the author of many children's books, including Greta and the Giants and Ada and the Number-Crunching Machine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 336 reviews
January 4, 2020
I know this is going to be an unpopular opinion; but I think it's important that I say it regardless.
My issue with Greta's approach, and thus the one put forward in Zoe Tucker's children's book, is that no one actually proposes solutions to climate change. Saying 'we' need to do something is fair; but without the science, technology, ingenuity, creativity, etc. that is needed to come up with solutions that are affordable it's just blowing hot air.
I by no means disagree that climate change is an issue; but I don't feel like protesting it is really helping the problem. It isn't because governments don't want to do something it's that those solutions that exist will bankrupt worldwide economies, put people out of jobs (and thus their homes) and create inflation so high that everyone will starve. Like it or not we have to balance economics with policy decisions and implementing a bunch of mandatory, expensive climate change stoppers isn't going to solve the worlds problems; in fact it might make them worse.
For example, shutting down every oil well in the world will not work as Greta and everyone in the first world on Earth needs that oil. Even those protesting in the street don't realize how reliant they are on oil and gas and other industries deemed 'responsible' for climate change. The reality is that we as a consumer society are responsible and we can't blame companies who've provided us with products we've bought for making those products. Instead you have to stop consuming those things in order to stop production. It's just basic economics.
I'd much rather read a book to children (and for myself) that talk about what we can do right now to help. Whether that be simply reminding children to turn off the lights, recycle, re-use toys, etc. I want a book that will help with both education of the issues, and making children feel heard. Complaining in the streets, in this case, isn't going to help. We don't need a drastic change in government worldwide; what we need are affordable solutions. So far there are very few of those around. So let's make our kids want to help and get engaged in the STEM initiatives behind what causes climate change and maybe the future generation can help us figure out what to do.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
My issue with Greta's approach, and thus the one put forward in Zoe Tucker's children's book, is that no one actually proposes solutions to climate change. Saying 'we' need to do something is fair; but without the science, technology, ingenuity, creativity, etc. that is needed to come up with solutions that are affordable it's just blowing hot air.
I by no means disagree that climate change is an issue; but I don't feel like protesting it is really helping the problem. It isn't because governments don't want to do something it's that those solutions that exist will bankrupt worldwide economies, put people out of jobs (and thus their homes) and create inflation so high that everyone will starve. Like it or not we have to balance economics with policy decisions and implementing a bunch of mandatory, expensive climate change stoppers isn't going to solve the worlds problems; in fact it might make them worse.
For example, shutting down every oil well in the world will not work as Greta and everyone in the first world on Earth needs that oil. Even those protesting in the street don't realize how reliant they are on oil and gas and other industries deemed 'responsible' for climate change. The reality is that we as a consumer society are responsible and we can't blame companies who've provided us with products we've bought for making those products. Instead you have to stop consuming those things in order to stop production. It's just basic economics.
I'd much rather read a book to children (and for myself) that talk about what we can do right now to help. Whether that be simply reminding children to turn off the lights, recycle, re-use toys, etc. I want a book that will help with both education of the issues, and making children feel heard. Complaining in the streets, in this case, isn't going to help. We don't need a drastic change in government worldwide; what we need are affordable solutions. So far there are very few of those around. So let's make our kids want to help and get engaged in the STEM initiatives behind what causes climate change and maybe the future generation can help us figure out what to do.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
January 22, 2020
I love some Greta Thunberg. I love to hear to tell it to world leaders as it is.
This is told like a little bit of a fairytale. Greta lives in a forest and the animals are being wiped out by giants who have built cities and factories and are killing everything. Greta isn’t scared and she stands up to them by protesting. It’s a lovely story, because in this one, the giants actually listen to the kids and make changes and save the world unlike the real world where they listen to her and ignore her and go about their business, at least some of them.
I think it’s makes the idea of Climate change easier to understand as an allegory like this. There is a 2 page spread at the end about Climate Change and the real Greta Thunberg. It also shows this as a collective problem that we all need to band together to solve. I think it’s well done and I like the cartoony artwork used. Greta is very cute here.
The nephew enjoyed all the critters in the book. It wasn’t really funny and not so monstery, although, the giants were somewhat monsters, but he didn’t count them. He gave this 3 stars and wanted something with more action. I need to get something just for him soon. I’ll have to look for it. Ninjas or lord help me, video games.
This is told like a little bit of a fairytale. Greta lives in a forest and the animals are being wiped out by giants who have built cities and factories and are killing everything. Greta isn’t scared and she stands up to them by protesting. It’s a lovely story, because in this one, the giants actually listen to the kids and make changes and save the world unlike the real world where they listen to her and ignore her and go about their business, at least some of them.
I think it’s makes the idea of Climate change easier to understand as an allegory like this. There is a 2 page spread at the end about Climate Change and the real Greta Thunberg. It also shows this as a collective problem that we all need to band together to solve. I think it’s well done and I like the cartoony artwork used. Greta is very cute here.
The nephew enjoyed all the critters in the book. It wasn’t really funny and not so monstery, although, the giants were somewhat monsters, but he didn’t count them. He gave this 3 stars and wanted something with more action. I need to get something just for him soon. I’ll have to look for it. Ninjas or lord help me, video games.
October 14, 2019
Beautiful art accompanies this story that tells about Greta Thunberg and climate change in an easy to understand fable about a little girl trying to protect her forest from greedy giants who are destroying it. The story is really uplifting and has a happy ending that I wish was happening with our own "giants" right now, but it ends with a little blurb telling that in real life we are still fighting the giants in this issue. It also tells how kids can help in small ways that really do help, just as Greta did. This is a gorgeous, well written book that does an excellent job of showing who Greta is and what she's trying to do in an accessible, enjoyable story for children.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
November 18, 2019
This wonderful story was inspired by real life events. A Swedish teenager Greta Thurnberg was wondering why despite all the scary facts about the climate change nobody was doing anything to stop 'the giants'/ goverments and huge businesses from destroying our planet. She protested next to the Swedish government building and was gradually joined by more and more people . Greta's actions inspired many people to start doing something real in order to stop the imminent climate change disaster.
The picture book uses an allegory of giants who have cut almost all the forest where little Greta lives to stand for governments and corporations, key players in our current environmental crisis. This beautifully illustrated story is easy to understand and follow even for very young children, and it carries a very important message: we have a serious problem which can only be solved if we act together.
In the book there is a happy end as the giants realize they have been causing damage to the nature by their careless expansion of factories. They completely change their lifestyle and gradually replant the forest to make it even more beautiful than it was before. In real life... we can and should make a diffrence. At the end of the book there are a few suggestions: learn and become more aware of what is happening, ask your caretakers/teacher help you get to a protest or write to politicians and decision-makers, use public transport and persuade your family to take a good look at your carbon print. Every little thing helps and if we start teachingour children that their opinion and their actions matter, perhaps there is a hope for us.
Thank you to Frances Lincoln Children's Books for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
The picture book uses an allegory of giants who have cut almost all the forest where little Greta lives to stand for governments and corporations, key players in our current environmental crisis. This beautifully illustrated story is easy to understand and follow even for very young children, and it carries a very important message: we have a serious problem which can only be solved if we act together.
In the book there is a happy end as the giants realize they have been causing damage to the nature by their careless expansion of factories. They completely change their lifestyle and gradually replant the forest to make it even more beautiful than it was before. In real life... we can and should make a diffrence. At the end of the book there are a few suggestions: learn and become more aware of what is happening, ask your caretakers/teacher help you get to a protest or write to politicians and decision-makers, use public transport and persuade your family to take a good look at your carbon print. Every little thing helps and if we start teachingour children that their opinion and their actions matter, perhaps there is a hope for us.
Thank you to Frances Lincoln Children's Books for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
October 1, 2019
This is a nice allegorical story about Greta Thunberg's activism and leadership on climate change. In this narrative, governments and industry are represented by giants who destroy the environment, leaving the animals fearing for their future. Nobody wants to do anything because everybody is afraid of standing up to the giants. Everybody except Greta, that is. She starts by herself, but is soon joined by others, until there are so many that their complaints can no longer be ignored.
Unlike in real life, the giants in this story actually have a conscience. Once it's pointed out to them that they're doing great harm, they change their ways and everybody lives happily ever after. If I have one complaint about this book, it's that the resolution feels unrealistic and way too simple. In reality, greed is driving so much of the problem, and it's going to take more than a few protesters to change anyone's mind. The problem extends to the suggestions for helping that are included at the back of the book. While doing something is better than doing nothing, personal choices aren't really going to have much of an effect (especially if not everybody is doing them). Then again, I guess it would be a little depressing for a picture book to tell children that there's really nothing they can do and that their fate is dependent upon people who value money above all else.
The illustrations are quite cute, very colourful and charming. I like the animals with their protest signs. The whole thing is a great starting point for teaching young children about the climate change fight and what some people are doing to try to avoid a planetary catastrophe. It might be too political for some, but it's an important message that everyone needs to hear, whether they agree with it or not.
Thank you to NetGalley and Frances Lincoln Children's Books for providing a digital ARC.
Unlike in real life, the giants in this story actually have a conscience. Once it's pointed out to them that they're doing great harm, they change their ways and everybody lives happily ever after. If I have one complaint about this book, it's that the resolution feels unrealistic and way too simple. In reality, greed is driving so much of the problem, and it's going to take more than a few protesters to change anyone's mind. The problem extends to the suggestions for helping that are included at the back of the book. While doing something is better than doing nothing, personal choices aren't really going to have much of an effect (especially if not everybody is doing them). Then again, I guess it would be a little depressing for a picture book to tell children that there's really nothing they can do and that their fate is dependent upon people who value money above all else.
The illustrations are quite cute, very colourful and charming. I like the animals with their protest signs. The whole thing is a great starting point for teaching young children about the climate change fight and what some people are doing to try to avoid a planetary catastrophe. It might be too political for some, but it's an important message that everyone needs to hear, whether they agree with it or not.
Thank you to NetGalley and Frances Lincoln Children's Books for providing a digital ARC.
January 30, 2020
I really enjoyed this picture book!
I liked that it was inspired by Greta and her work. I found it great that the giants were essentially us humans, that they weren't overly demonised, and the trouble they cause is believable and accurate to what is going on with corporations and people today.
I loved seeing the movement grow little by little, and the child I was reading withunderstood what the protest was and felt excited to read all of the signs that the children in the book were holding. He wanted to know why the giants were destroying the forest, and how they would show they were sorry. This opened up the path for good and valuable discussions.
The illustrations used the earthern colours very well in contrast to the grey of the city, and I loved seeing the two mesh at the end.
Another illustration point - I loved seeing the diverse characters displayed. While all are nameless other than Greta, in the crowd I spotted black and brown people, and a girl in a Muslim hijab, among many others. I love seeing some visual and obvious diversity in picture books.
Good message, good story, good illustrations and prompting good discussions!
I liked that it was inspired by Greta and her work. I found it great that the giants were essentially us humans, that they weren't overly demonised, and the trouble they cause is believable and accurate to what is going on with corporations and people today.
I loved seeing the movement grow little by little, and the child I was reading withunderstood what the protest was and felt excited to read all of the signs that the children in the book were holding. He wanted to know why the giants were destroying the forest, and how they would show they were sorry. This opened up the path for good and valuable discussions.
The illustrations used the earthern colours very well in contrast to the grey of the city, and I loved seeing the two mesh at the end.
Another illustration point - I loved seeing the diverse characters displayed. While all are nameless other than Greta, in the crowd I spotted black and brown people, and a girl in a Muslim hijab, among many others. I love seeing some visual and obvious diversity in picture books.
Good message, good story, good illustrations and prompting good discussions!
November 23, 2019
This is a really cute picture book inspired by the environmental activist Greta Thunberg. I wish we could have that happy ending too but sadly, people's greed are too strong to care about anything but profit. They don't really think about the future generations and the rest of the living things in the environment.
Nevertheless, just because some big companies contribute a lot to global warming (and don't care) doesn't mean that we, as individuals, can't change some habits to help reduce it. We should be better than them and start little by little until it becomes a part of us. We are over 7 billion and I'm sure that our actions, no matter how small, contributes to the greater good.
We need only start.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the digital copy for an honest review.
Nevertheless, just because some big companies contribute a lot to global warming (and don't care) doesn't mean that we, as individuals, can't change some habits to help reduce it. We should be better than them and start little by little until it becomes a part of us. We are over 7 billion and I'm sure that our actions, no matter how small, contributes to the greater good.
We need only start.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the digital copy for an honest review.
October 7, 2019
I can't praise this book enough. It somehow simplifies climate change, and the power one child has to change the world, into something easy enough for preschoolers to grasp. The illustrations are cute and engaging. Adults need to read it as much as children, I believe. Highly recommended!
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
October 11, 2019
"No one is too small to make a difference."
be right back, gotta go cry.
be right back, gotta go cry.
March 13, 2020
If only we could make the giants change their ways in real life.
October 4, 2019
What a nice story, and very well illustrated as well, inspired by Greta Thunberg (the characters only, the story itself is more fantastical then realistic!. An ecological tale about nature and society. Simple, but perfectly executed and absolutely worth reading!
November 19, 2019
Greta is visited by the inhabitants of her forest, pleading for help in saving their home. The giants have pillaged and plundered nature in their blind greed for profitable construction. She contemplates how and sets out to meet them, carrying only a sign with “STOP” emblazoned upon it. Alone, she is ignored. Soon, others join her, each with their own sign of their own plea. The numbers can not be ignored. The giants take heed. They stop, they listen, they regret. Looking always forward, they could not see the destruction left behind. They adopt alternatives, begin to repair, change the motion of progress.
Adorably illustrated and completed with a bio on Greta alongside some tips for eco-living and websites for further information.
A product of 350.org, a grassroots campaign intending to reduce carbon dioxide from our atmosphere, 3% of every book sale goes towards meeting their goal.
Every child needs a hero to look up to, why not give them one that cares about their tomorrows?
Adorably illustrated and completed with a bio on Greta alongside some tips for eco-living and websites for further information.
A product of 350.org, a grassroots campaign intending to reduce carbon dioxide from our atmosphere, 3% of every book sale goes towards meeting their goal.
Every child needs a hero to look up to, why not give them one that cares about their tomorrows?
October 26, 2019
It would have been too easy for this allegory, inspired by the valiant, prescient Greta Thunberg, to have been preachy and off-putting. Instead, this slender, hopeful book explains climate change — as well as valor and the power of everyday citizens — in a way even preschoolers can understand. The lovely message and illustrations will delight adults, too.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group and Frances Lincoln Children’s Books in exchange for an honest review.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group and Frances Lincoln Children’s Books in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2021
Greta and a group of concerned children struggle to keep Big Bidness (the Giants) from completely destroying the forest. Nice illustrations by Zoe Persico. Not recommended for MAGAs.
March 17, 2022
NO ONE IS TOO SMALL TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!
I was really touched by this story.
My son and I recently watched David Attenborough's show on global warming, where Greta said how strange it is that everyone thinks about the past and no one cares about the future. 😕😪
Stop! Listen! Help!
Save our planet 🌎🌎🌎
I was really touched by this story.
My son and I recently watched David Attenborough's show on global warming, where Greta said how strange it is that everyone thinks about the past and no one cares about the future. 😕😪
Stop! Listen! Help!
Save our planet 🌎🌎🌎
October 24, 2019
This is the story of Greta Thunberg adapted for younger readers with analogies that would help them understand the Strike for Climate movement.
Being a story for children, it has a happy ending. But as the author points out at the end of the book, the fight in the real world is far from over.
The illustrations in the book are just so adorable and gorgeous! 💗
Coincidentally, this is the second book I read this weekend where the author and the illustrator have the same first name!
Being a story for children, it has a happy ending. But as the author points out at the end of the book, the fight in the real world is far from over.
The illustrations in the book are just so adorable and gorgeous! 💗
Coincidentally, this is the second book I read this weekend where the author and the illustrator have the same first name!
December 31, 2019
It's amazing how Greta is inspiring big and small people all around the world.
And this book is great for the little ones to have a grasp on what activism looks like.
The illustrations and colours are absolutely lovely, yet I don't really like the happy ending.
Even for kids, they deserve the truth, and that is that our house is on fire!
And this book is great for the little ones to have a grasp on what activism looks like.
The illustrations and colours are absolutely lovely, yet I don't really like the happy ending.
Even for kids, they deserve the truth, and that is that our house is on fire!
October 21, 2019
Artwork 5/5
Story 5/5
Characters 5/5
Message 10/5
I cried. This book is beautiful. Buy this book for kids. Tell them that you'll work to make the world a healthy and beautiful place for them and their kids.
Story 5/5
Characters 5/5
Message 10/5
I cried. This book is beautiful. Buy this book for kids. Tell them that you'll work to make the world a healthy and beautiful place for them and their kids.
May 17, 2020
A good story for young children to understand climate change.
December 15, 2019
A beautifully illustrated book introducing Greta to the little ones and hopefully inspiring them to follow Greta and fight for our planet. I think the story was really simple and wonderful, it helps spread Greta's message and also teach a little bit of our environmental issues to the little ones.
January 14, 2021
Greta en de reuzen
Een kinderboek met een mooie boodschap.
Greta Thunberg als hoofdpersonage.
Een kinderboek met een mooie boodschap.
Greta Thunberg als hoofdpersonage.
January 2, 2020
2/55 books read in 2020.
3/55 books read in 2020.
Provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is an absolutely gorgeous picture book inspired by Greta Thunberg and her fight against climate change and the institutions that will not change to save this world.
In this story Greta sees how the giants have been destroying the forest around her house and decides to protest in hopes of getting the attention of the giants and convince them to stop.
For the most part this is exactly the story of Greta Thunberg. She learned about climate change in school and was saddened by the lack of action the rest of the world was taking to combat climate change. In an effort to contribute something positive, she started protesting outside of the Swedish parliament. Her efforts have sparked a renewed interested and a world wide discussion about climate change.
The art is absolutely GORGEOUS. It reminds me of the fairy tales I used to read as a kid, with a cheeky and modern twist. I think some of the double page spreads would make lovely bedroom decor or a cool theme for a room (and really that is what I want from children's picture book's art).
I am really glad that Zoë Tucker decided to end this story full of hope. The situation we are in at the moment is very bleak and every encouragement is necessary. We need to believe we can still make a change and this way anyone reading this lovely story might find the courage to fight.
3/55 books read in 2020.
Provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is an absolutely gorgeous picture book inspired by Greta Thunberg and her fight against climate change and the institutions that will not change to save this world.
In this story Greta sees how the giants have been destroying the forest around her house and decides to protest in hopes of getting the attention of the giants and convince them to stop.
For the most part this is exactly the story of Greta Thunberg. She learned about climate change in school and was saddened by the lack of action the rest of the world was taking to combat climate change. In an effort to contribute something positive, she started protesting outside of the Swedish parliament. Her efforts have sparked a renewed interested and a world wide discussion about climate change.
The art is absolutely GORGEOUS. It reminds me of the fairy tales I used to read as a kid, with a cheeky and modern twist. I think some of the double page spreads would make lovely bedroom decor or a cool theme for a room (and really that is what I want from children's picture book's art).
I am really glad that Zoë Tucker decided to end this story full of hope. The situation we are in at the moment is very bleak and every encouragement is necessary. We need to believe we can still make a change and this way anyone reading this lovely story might find the courage to fight.
October 6, 2019
This is a simple book explaining the story of Greta Thunberg, the climate activist, to the picture book crowd. Using giants as the big bad adults, Greta stands up to them, and explains that they are destroying the planet. At first no one hears her, but then as more people take up her cry, the giants realize the harm they have done.
And everyone lives happily ever after.
Oh, if only this were the case.
Unfortunately, I do not hold out much hope for us, but without hope, we wouldn't even try, so perhaps, in that regard, this is a good book for kids, to show that they can change their fate, even if they can't.
I am such a cynical skeptic.
Recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
And everyone lives happily ever after.
Oh, if only this were the case.
Unfortunately, I do not hold out much hope for us, but without hope, we wouldn't even try, so perhaps, in that regard, this is a good book for kids, to show that they can change their fate, even if they can't.
I am such a cynical skeptic.
Recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
October 15, 2019
"No one is too small to make a difference."
This was such an adorable and informative read. I was very happy to receive this Arc from Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens as I had been anticipating to read this books, as well s more about Greta and her story. This book captured the essence of being a "child", innocent yet powerful in their own way. Greta's fight inspired others and I'm sure will continue to inspire a younger generation. This book will surely persuade other children, as well as "Giants" to get their act together and start working towards a cleaner and healthier tomorrow, where our world is fully appreciated and protected. I will 100% be getting this book for my younger family members, as well as myself because I just can't resist a good illustrated inspiring story!
This was such an adorable and informative read. I was very happy to receive this Arc from Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens as I had been anticipating to read this books, as well s more about Greta and her story. This book captured the essence of being a "child", innocent yet powerful in their own way. Greta's fight inspired others and I'm sure will continue to inspire a younger generation. This book will surely persuade other children, as well as "Giants" to get their act together and start working towards a cleaner and healthier tomorrow, where our world is fully appreciated and protected. I will 100% be getting this book for my younger family members, as well as myself because I just can't resist a good illustrated inspiring story!
October 4, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. I felt the giants representation of adults, corporations, etc was really great. The illustrations were really pretty and I thought that the message was important.
A beautiful way to send an important message.
A beautiful way to send an important message.
December 29, 2019
Extremely supportive of the Thunberg message but I did feel this was a rather preachy jump on the bandwagon. Nice enough- and there’s certainly room for more ecocritical lit aimed at younger readers but it didn’t inspire enough to buy it.
October 25, 2019
Really cute book! I knew before reading the end who this book was about and its great! I especially loved the ending note too!
May 2, 2020
Ihanan toiveikas satu luonnon puolesta, päähenkilönään Greta Thunberg.
November 1, 2020
I loved this book and think it would be great to use with children up to Year 3 to introduce the topic of the climate crisis. It shows that no one is too small to make a difference as well as how special the forsts are in so many ways which is why it's so important we look after them. I also really like how the giants were portrayed as they weren't shown to be horrible, they had just been too busy to stop and think about th impact they had on the environment. This is why educating about the climate crisis is so important and it simplifies Greta's message to make it more accessible for younger children. In schools, children could make posters to encourage people to look after the environment, do forest inspired art such as rubbings and collages as well as persuasive writing. They could come up with ideas to make their school and community more environmentally friendly which gives them more of a purpose and shows the difference children can make. It also links to habitats and wildlife in science.
May 14, 2020
Litt naiv og vel optimistisk, men den er jo viktig og har et godt budskap.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 336 reviews