Giant Island

Overview

In this wondrous book by award-winning fantasy author Jane Yolen and award-winning fantasy illustrator Doug Keith, two children and a dog explore the coves and caves of a tiny island. Under the watchful eye of Grandpa, the kids are thrilled to discover a huge surprise: the craggy rocks, tufted grass, and wind-swept trees on Giant Island are much more than they seem. Jane Yolen's text entrances readers with hints of age-old magic, and pays tribute to mystery, curiosity, and friendship. Doug Keith's paintings invite readers to discover the giant secret for themselves. Visit Giant Island, where fantastical adventures await.

Reviews

"Layers of intrigue surround this fun book from Jane Yolen and Doug Keith. [Recommended for] Lovers of Jane Yolen’s picture books and anyone who loves when the illustrations tell a story that the words do not." —Pam WattsFlavin, Head of Children’s Services, Robbins Library, Arlington, MA

Newsweek called Jane Yolen “The Hans Christian Anderson of American children’s literature” due to her significant contributions to children's literature, especially her original and collected fairy tales.

"Award-winning author Yolen... sings old songs in new ways." —Publishers Weekly

"The wonder of childhood comes alive…literally..... Childhood magic shared with a new generation." —Kirkus Reviews

"Jane Yolen, who sees stories everywhere, takes a giant leap here. Through her text and through comic and scintillating illustrations by Doug Keith, we learn that though no man may be an island, an island might be—well, a giant adventure, at least." —Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked

"Jane Yolen, who sees stories everywhere, takes a giant leap here. Through her text and through comic and scintillating illustrations by Doug Keith, we learn that though no man may be an island, an island might be—well, a giant adventure, at least." —Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked

"Lovingly rendered in whimsical illustrations that bring this fairy tale to life." —Danielle Ballantyne, Foreword Review

"A beautifully imaginative tale of discovery and magic and family history on an island that really lives up to its name." —Delia Sherman, anthologist and fantasy writer

"Keep your eyes wide open. There may be more than one giant in this magical place with giants who keep giant secrets." —David L. Harrison, author of The Book of Giant Stories

Author Biography

Doug Keith has over thirty years’ experience as an illustrator, designer, and fine artist. His resume includes forty plus illustrated books, a Benjamin Franklin Award for interior design, a television Emmy award for graphic design, and commissioned works at Windermere Real Estate and Puget Sound Energy. Doug lives in Seattle, Washington, surrounded by the mountains and water that inspired Giant Island. Jane Yolen is a writer of fantasy, science fiction, and children’s books. She is the author or editor of over 400 books for children, teens, and adults, including Owl Moon, winner of the Caldecott award, How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight, and the rest of the beloved How Do Dinosaurs series. She lives in Western Massachusetts. Two islands figure in Jane’s background: Manhattan Island where she spent her early years, and the Isle of Skye in Scotland where she has spent lots of time for the past 30 summers. Either of them could have housed a giant.