How Do You Feed a Hungry Giant? Book Review
A Giant-Sized Reading Adventure
Ever wondered what it takes to feed a giant? Turns out, a little imagination—and a lot of chocolate milk—does the trick! In our household, reading is a cherished activity, and we recently enjoyed “How Do You Feed a Hungry Giant?” by Caitlin Friedman. Originally published in 2011 and updated in 2025, this pop-up book captured our attention from the very first page.
As an adult, I’ve always loved reading, and I’m passionate about passing that love along to my kids. As Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis once said:
“There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.”
That’s exactly what this book does—it opens a little world of adventure, creativity, and giant-sized fun. My goal is to cultivate that same passion for reading in my children, and this book makes it easy and enjoyable.
“There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.” — Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Why You’ll Love This Book
Let’s get real: pop-up books are magical. Even well-loved library copies hold a special power to mesmerize kids, and this one is no exception. The moment I said, “Mom has a new book, and it’s a pop-up!” my son was front and center for storytime snuggles.
With the word “Hungry” right in the title, I had a feeling this book would appeal to my foodie side too. And it did. The Divine Miss M also loved the book’s theme of friendship, so it resonated with everyone in the 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 children’s books feel like homework, but this one? Not at all. The story flows beautifully, keeping everyone laughing and engaged. In fact, we read it three times in one sitting because we couldn’t get enough!
The pop-ups are clever and sturdy, tucked neatly inside the book like a board book with interactive elements. You’ll meet a talking dog, the giant himself, and discover some giant-sized favorites like peanut butter and cupcakes!
“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” — Emilie Buchwald
Synopsis: Oscar and the Hungry Giant
Oscar discovers a giant in his backyard. At first, he’s surprised and a little scared. But when the giant holds up a sign reading “Food Please,” Oscar decides to help. The giant devours everything in sight: three big bunches of green grapes, four chicken quesadillas, 15 huge bottles of chocolate milk, 197 chocolate chip cookies, and Nana’s world-famous tomato soup. Even then, his tummy rumbles! That’s when Oscar calls in his mom for backup.
With interactive flaps, fold-outs, and pop-ups, this story not only entertains but delivers a heartwarming lesson about helping others.
Delicious Recipes to Try
One of my favorite parts? The small recipe booklet at the front! It features eight recipes perfect for feeding a hungry giant, including:
- Pizza-Sized Chocolate Chip Cookie
- Ginormous Blueberry Muffin
- Broccolini Trees with Cheese
- Pasta Mountain
These recipes are not only fun to make but extend the story beyond the page. You can literally bring Oscar’s adventures to your kitchen!
Pizza-Sized Chocolate Chip Cookie – Giant, Gooey, and Totally Shareable!
Book Trailer and Author Insights
For a sneak peek, check out the book trailer here. You can also dive deeper into the author in this Q&A with Caitlin Friedman.
About the Author
- Author: Caitlin Friedman
- Illustrator: Shaw Nielsen
- Format: Hardcover Interactive
- Originally Published: Workman, 2011 (Updated 2025)
Want in on the Fun?
If you’re looking for a fun, engaging book to share with your kids, I highly recommend “How Do You Feed a Hungry Giant?“. It’s a delightful reading adventure for the whole family.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own and were not influenced by the sponsor. Others’ experiences may vary.