Victor and the Giant, written and illustrated by Rafael Yockteng. Translated by Elisa Amado. Aldana Libros, Greystone Kids. 2025. $24.95 ages 4 and up

 

"He jumped on him, but he didn't wake up.

He punched him, but he didn't wake up. 

He begged the creature desperately, 
but the giant still didn't wake up. 

Victor didn't know what else to do. He 
was so tired he sat on the monster's 
enormous nose. 

He could see its huge eyes, an infinite 
forehead, massive eyebrows, wild hair ... 

Nose hairs!"

A close look at the quiet arrival of another day in the peaceful city offers no warning for what is about to happen. As Victor's mother rushes out the door on her way to work, he enjoys breakfast with a cup of hot chocolate. The peace is disrupted when the earth begins to shake. A terrible noise arises before everything becomes eerily quiet. 

It takes one look out the window for Victor to see the total destruction of his city. Buildings, streets, tress, birds, animals ... all have disappeared. His building is the only one still standing. Now, the only thing visible to him is a colossal giant, sound asleep across the mountainside. Victor determines to check it out. The destruction is even more evident as he wanders outside. 

Encountering the giant up close, he tries to wake him. Nothing works, until Victor notices the giant's nose hairs. Using all of his strength, he pulls one out which awakens and terrifies the monster. Victor matches that scream with one of his own. Now that he has the giant's attention, Victor can ask the questions he wants to ask. Turns out the giant was hungry and has no realization that eating everyone and everything in sight is hardly the proper way to handle that hunger. Victor explains. 

After making a plea for understanding, Victor bursts into tears. He misses his mother; the giant wants to help. The solution to the entire problem is a lovely surprise for readers who watch closely as things are returned to what they had been, and reunites mother and son. Will the city be able to help when the giant's hunger rears its ugly head the next time? One can only hope. 

Pencil drawings assembled digitally bring full life to every spread and command attention at every turn. Observant readers will be highly entertained by the tale itself and especially the accompanying scenes created to enhance its power. Perspective holds sway on every spread and will delight young readers with Victor's ability to manage the giant despite the huge difference in their presence on the page.