Greta and the Giants: inspired by Greta Thunberg's stand to save the world: 1

Product Information

Thank you to #NetGalley and Quarto Publishing for letting me read an advanced copy of #GretaandtheGiants in exchange for my honest review. Publisher's Synopsis: This inspiring picture book retells 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. I know also, that a book can't do all of that and more, but it can keep leading our youth in the right direction. And, hopefully as many adults as possible, because we are the ones that can keep making change a reality. It all starts with us. Without the change we need and the funding for it, the future for our children will become as bleak as Greta explains in this book. Yes, it's a bit too nicely tied up (in real life it's become a lot harder to get the message to be taken seriously). But, it still gives us, as well as our young ones, hope that someday it might be a little better than it was yesterday. And, hopefully our future with be more brighter because of this book.

Note for parents: the book initially comes down very harshly on the "greedy giants" who destroy the woods. However, the giants are given the chance to redeem themselves. Greta lives in the heart of a beautiful forest where she is friends with the animals who also live there. However, Giants (humans) are destroying their home, so the animals beg Greta for help. The Giants are portrayed as the destructors of the forest, taking more and more trees in their greed and desire to build more and more. There is a stark contrast between the bright and colourful images of the forest and the darkness and ugliness of the city.

Featured Reviews

Given that there are so few good books for young children about climate activism, it is all the more egregious to have books that erase the long, collective history (including leadership of people of color and Native Americans) of climate activism. We will NOT be adding this book to our list on the environment and climate change. This inspiring picture book retells 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. 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. 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 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.

Greta Thurnberg, the Swedish teenager who has warned the entire world about climate change, is living in the forest and giants are chopping down the trees and destroying the environment. Greta points out the harm they are doing and, eventually, the giants stop their damage. What's especially reassuring about this book is that, even though the giants are, initially, so destructive, they learn through education and listening that the damage must stop or the consequences will be deadly. Greta says that ‘No one is too small to make a difference’. What does this mean? Could you write a new story about a person who works to make a difference? This lovely picture book is a useful way for parents and teachers to introduce young children (ages 4-7) to the subject of climate change stressing a positive message. Greta and the Giants is about Greta Thunberg. It is modified into a children's story - humans contributing to pollution and environmental damage are made into giants who threaten the woodland creatures' homes and way of life. At first, they are unaware of the problems they are causing, but the animals and a little girl from the woods begin to stand up and make their voices heard. With the fires, natural disasters, and environmental issues our world is facing due to our inaction toward climate change, it is more important now than it has ever been to teach our children how to be responsible for their planet. Greta and the Giants is a lovely book. I have to admit that the first thing that drew me to the book were the colors and art style. I absolutely love the illustrations and bold colors that are used. I found myself paying more attention to the artwork and the details in it that the story during my first read through. In the first part of the book the text is almost lost in the corners, and easy to overlook. Once I slowed down and read the text I enjoyed the story, I only wish the giants in the real world were that easy to reach. The story is reminiscent of The Lorax for me, and I do not mean that in a bad way. My daughter loved The Lorax, and I could recite it for years after she stopped asking for it. The message that protecting nature is good, and that even if we are small and often overlooked we can effect change is something I have not problem telling and retelling. I liked that the story showed that we often have to come together just to get the attention necessary to be heard, but that it can be done. I love that the book included information in accessible terms about what is happening, and how anyone and everyone can do something to help not matter how small. I really enjoy the book as a whole and hope that it will reach the children (and adults) that need to hear the message.

In allegorical tribute to teen eco-activist Greta Thunberg, a child saves a forest from heedless pillagers.

I like Greta as a character as she shows everyone that even if you are small you can still stand up against the giants if it's something you believe in and want a chance to make a change. The information and tips at the end are perfect to get children looking further into climate change and a nice way to end the book. If there were an aspect that may be improved, I would encourage a part of the narrative to rely purely on further inspection of the illustrations in the manner of (for example) Pat Hutchin's old classic, 'Rosie's Walk'. For, in my opinion, that is when a picture book transcends; offering something beyond an illustrated story or an animated tale. I had some mixed feelings about this book jumping on the Greta Thunberg bandwagon. Greta herself is all about action, not about accolades, Recently she turned down an award of some fifty thousand dollars because that's not what she's about - although I do have to confess I don't get why she didn't accept it and donate the money to some organization that's doing something about the climate! But it was her choice, not mine, and I have to express some concern about those who might want to co-opt her good will and momentum, and try to profit from it. 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. Greta and the Giants is an endearing picture book inspired by the environmental activist Greta Thunberg.This children’s picture book is a fable inspired by Greta Thunberg's stand to save the world. Young Greta lives in the forest and one day is approached by the animals of the forest, who are seeking her help to save their homes from the greedy giants. 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.