Written by Encian Pastel · Illustrated by Niki Enriquez Kondo
She's clomping, she's tromping, she's stomping through the forest — and there's a tree in the way. A big, rhythmic, movement packed magical tale about giants, squirrels, centaurs, and figuring out what to do when something enormous shows up. For children ages 3–6.
When one child's impulse to create, build or assemble meets another child's impulse to knock down, scatter, or destroy…both impulses are valid means of expression and exploration…both impulses answer a central question of personhood: How can I affect the world around me?
When adults view big destructive impulses as a problem we risk casting some kids as “bad” who cause problems for kids who are “good” … even if we avoid using those terms. When we locate the problem in the interaction between diverse and often conflicting needs and impulses we can come together to solve problems creatively, observe how our actions have impacted others, repair harm and make plans that work for everyone.
I wrote this book as a vehicle for movement and playacting, an invitation for children to become the giant, to take pleasure in stomping and knocking things down and then to shift perspective and become the tree as it crashes down, to become the various beings connected through this event…to observe, problem solve, repair and make plans that work for everyone.
Read it with your class
Here Comes the Giant pairs well with explorations of big feelings, community problem-solving, and story rhythm. Get in touch if you'd like a classroom guide.
