Off the coast of Ireland there lies an island. It looks just like a giant sleeping in the sea. But what if it really is a giant – and what if, one day, the sleeping giant wakes up?

The Sleeping Giant, first published in 1991, quickly became a huge favourite with children all over Ireland and it hit the annual bestseller lists again when the paperback edition was published in 1998. The O'Brien Press are delighted to bring out this new edition for a new generation of children to enjoy.

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a handsome picture book with a charming story … bold and dynamic with plenty of Irish cultural references … a wonderful stimulus for oral language lessons

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this book will bring a new audience to a favourite with children all over Ireland. As a celebrated Irish author and illustrator for children, Fitzpatrick has filled the book with highly detailed, vibrant and atmospheric watercolour pictures. The colour palette varies from gently muted pastels to rich hues of reds and blues and purples, reflecting each present mood … A story to be read over and again; the rich language and the detailed pictures demand further enjoyment

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a magical book with wonderful illustrations which  both adults and children of all ages will find engaging and captivating … There are endless possibilities as to how  this book could be effectively used in  the classroom. Some which spring to mind include (a) sequencing activity where students retell the story orally, in writing or through drawing pictures (b) readers’ theatre where students work collaboratively in groups to write the script (c) in SPHE, exploring how someone’s difference(s) can instil a sense of isolation and fear. I read this book to a variety of classes ranging from Junior Infants to 3rd Class and all the students were thoroughly enthralled by the storyline as well as the illustrations. This would be a wonderful addition to any classroom library given the multifaceted nature of this book. 

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A gem … Fitzpatrick’s lovely watercolour illustrations are filled with funny, quirky details and match the text perfectly.

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A delightful, satisfying, highly recommended story which will see many a young child to trouble-free sleep for years to come.

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Every child will love this delicate picture book about the mayhem created when the giant wakes and takes a walk.