A Book of Giants

A BOOK OF GIANTS By Ruth Manning-Sanders Illustrated by Robin Jacques

Giants are as old as storytelling itself — and as varied.

Nobody knows who first told the story of Jack and the Beanstalk. These tales are ancient, passed down across generations from a time when the world was very young. In this beloved collection, Ruth Manning-Sanders gathers eighteen enchanting fairy tales from across Europe — England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Cornwall, Germany, Norway, Romania, Georgia, and beyond — each one featuring giants of every kind: fearsome and foolish, cunning and kind, towering and terrible.

Here you'll meet old friends like Jack, who climbs his famous beanstalk and later takes on six giants in a single sprawling adventure. But you'll also discover lesser-known treasures: the clever Irish wife who outwits the mighty Cucullin on behalf of her husband Fin M'Coul; the tiny Sammy Small who bests the fearsome Sneezy Snatcher; a brave little tailor who tricks his way to glory; and the mysterious giant who hid his heart so that no one could defeat him.

With her signature wit and economical storytelling style, Manning-Sanders breathes fresh life into these timeless tales — never wasting a word, yet filling every page with humor, suspense, and wonder. The award-winning Robin Jacques provides elegant illustrations that beautifully capture the contrast between the enormous and the small.

Stories include: Jack and the Beanstalk (England) • The Giant and the Dwarf (Georgia) • Fin M'Coul and Cucullin (Ireland) • Sneezy Snatcher and Sammy Small (Cornwall) • Hans, the Horn, and the Magic Sword (Jutland) • Jack the Giant-Killer (Cornwall) • King Johnny (Slavic) • Conall Yellowclaw (Scotland) • The Giant in the Cave (Ireland) • The Brave Little Tailor (Germany) • The Giant Who Had No Heart in His Body (Norway) • The Three Golden Hairs of the King of the Cave Giants (Germany) • Prince Loaf (Romania)

Perfect for read-aloud sessions, bedtime storytelling, classroom use, and anyone who loves classic fairy tales told with charm and skill. A treasured volume in Ruth Manning-Sanders' celebrated "A Book of…" folklore series.