The Thing About Giants

By Author / Illustrator

Christopher Galvin

Genre

Myths & Legends

Age range(s)

Publisher

Walker Books

ISBN

9781529530841

Format

Hardback

Published

04-06-2026

Synopsis

With the sweeping adventure of Impossible Creatures, the unlikely friendship of The Last Bear and the action and pace of Skandar, this is the must-read middle-grade adventure of the year.

Jacq is the daughter of giant hunters.
Corman is a young giant on his first trip above ground.
Two stories, two lives and two worlds collide.

Jacq Dyer is the daughter of renowned giant hunters and is soon to follow in their footsteps. Everyone knows that giants are violent, senseless creatures . . . aren't they? But when an accident leaves Jacq lost and injured in the wilderness, she comes face-to-face with Corman, a young giant. As they uncover the truth about each other's worlds, they find that not all tall tales are true - and that it's up to them to set things right.

Skandar meets The BFG in this powerful, cinematic middle grade adventure from a stand-out new Irish voice. "A truly exceptional fantasy adventure. A big, epic world with characters that will capture your heart. I loved it." AF Steadman, author of Skandar. "A thrilling and immersive adventure with a giant heart." Pari Thomson, author of Greenwild. "Warm, funny and filled with heart, this is a wonderful adventure. Chris Galvin is a new middle grade star." Padraig Kenny. "A stunning debut - crackles with myth and magic. A triumph!" Patricia Forde, Irish Children's Laureate.

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Reviews

Sue

Daughter of Giant Hunters, Jacq is about to, somewhat reluctantly, follow in their footsteps. Corman, a young giant, is on his first trip above ground with his father to forage for 'jurtear', much-needed medicine for his sister. Separated from his father in an attack by hunters, Corman is desperate to find his way home, but instead, he finds Jacq, lost and alone after an accident. As they must work together to survive, each learns much about the other's world, uncovering secrets and lies and creating a friendship which proves that size doesn't matter!

From the first page to the last, The Thing About Giants is a wonderful read. Corman and Jacq's stories interweave, allowing the opposing views, misconceptions and fears of both humans and giants to be revealed as their worlds collide.

Corman is an Under Hill giant, one of a group driven to live underground by humans. Gentle and kind, he is terrified of humans and what they can do, yet when faced with one in need, doesn't hesitate to help. Jacq, on the other hand, has been raised to believe that giants are stupid and violent beasts who eat humans and destroy everything. Meeting Corman and learning his ways opens her eyes to the truth and makes her determined to change things.

Action-packed and energetic, the dual narrative insists you keep reading to find out what happens to each of these very likeable characters who, despite the size difference, are not quite as different as they think they are! Love of family, friends and home drive them both onwards, but a developing sense of friendship and respect bind them together on a path of great danger. Corman’s actions show again and again that a little kindness goes a long way and that you should never judge on appearance.

I could waffle on about this book for quite some time! However, suffice it to say, I really enjoyed The Thing About Giants and was delighted to notice at the end of the book that Jacq and Corman will be back for another adventure - which I can't wait to read!

352 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher