How Do You Feed a Hungry Giant? Book Review
Introduction: A Reading Adventure
In our household, reading is a cherished activity, and we’ve recently enjoyed “How Do You Feed a Hungry Giant?” by Caitlin Friedman. This book captivated us from the first page. As an adult, I adore reading, a passion I’ve held since childhood. This sentiment is beautifully encapsulated in Jacqueline Kennedy’s words:
“There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.”
My goal is to instill a similar passion for reading in my children. This book, with its imaginative storytelling and engaging pop-ups, offers a delightful experience that both kids and adults can enjoy.
“There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.” — Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Engaging Pop-Up Fun: A Hit with the Kids
Let me first state the obvious: “How Do You Feed a Hungry Giant?” is a pop-up book. That’s all it takes to capture Li’l Man’s attention—he absolutely loves pop-up books, even the well-worn ones from the library! When I announced, “Mom has a new book, and it’s a pop-up!” Li’l Man was the first to arrive for story-time snuggling.
Given the word “Hungry” in the title and my foodie inclinations, I had a feeling this book would be a hit with me too. The Divine Miss M also resonated with the book’s theme of friendship, adding another layer of enjoyment for our family.
“Interactive books invite children to engage in a multi-sensory experience, making reading more memorable and enjoyable.” — Dr. Susan Neuman, Professor of Childhood and Literacy Education
A Story That Flows and Engages
Some books we’ve read together have felt like a chore, but that was not the case with this one. The story flows beautifully, ending just as we were getting into the groove. We read it three times in one sitting, laughing and enjoying every moment.
My kiddos are crazy about this book. The pop-ups are not only clever but also sturdy, made of firm cardboard that tucks neatly inside the book. It’s like a board book with interactive elements, including a talking dog, the giant himself, and even a fun discovery of peanut butter and cupcakes!
“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” — Emilie Buchwald
The Heartwarming Story of Oscar and the Hungry Giant
The narrative centers around a boy named Oscar who discovers a giant in his backyard. Naturally, Oscar is surprised and a bit frightened. However, the giant holds up a sign that reads “Food Please,” prompting Oscar to help. The Hungry Giant devours a range of foods: three big bunches of green grapes, four chicken quesadillas, 15 HUGE bottles of chocolate milk, 197 chocolate chip cookies, Nana’s World-Famous tomato soup by the pot, and still, his tummy rumbles! This is when Oscar enlists his mom’s help.
The book is interactive with flaps, fold-outs, and pop-ups, delivering a heartwarming message about helping others.
Delicious Recipes to Try
“How Do You Feed a Hungry Giant?” comes with a small recipe book at the front, featuring eight recipes perfect for feeding a hungry giant, such as:
- Pizza Sized Chocolate Chip Cookie
- Ginormous Blueberry Muffin
- Broccolini Trees with Cheese
- Pasta Mountain
These recipes are fun to make and delicious to eat, offering a great way to extend the book’s enjoyment beyond reading.
Book Trailer and Author Insights
For a sneak peek, check out the book trailer here. You can also learn more about the author in the Q&A with Caitlin Friedman.
About the Author
- Author: Caitlin Friedman
- Illustrator: Shaw Nielsen
- Format: Hardcover Interactive
- Published: Workman, 2011
I received a copy of “How Do You Feed a Hungry Giant?” to facilitate an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own and were not influenced by the sponsor. Others’ experiences may vary.
Call to Action
If you’re looking for a fun and engaging book to read with your kids, I highly recommend “How Do You Feed a Hungry Giant?” You can purchase it through my Amazon affiliate link here and enjoy a delightful reading adventure with your family.
Join the Conversation
Have you read “How Do You Feed a Hungry Giant?” What did you and your kids think?
*I received a copy of How Do You Feed a Hungry Giant? in order to facilitate an honest review. The opinions, where expressed, are my own and were in no way influenced by the sponsor. Others experiences may vary.