First published 2019
A small boy stands before towering giants who hunger for human flesh. Armed only with his wits and courage, he must outsmart these fearsome creatures to survive. Though others mock him for being the youngest and smallest, the boy proves that cleverness trumps size. His adventures span continents and cultures, from familiar beanstalks to distant lands where heroes go by different names. Some champions stand normal height while others measure no bigger than a thumb, yet all share the same bold spirit. The boy encounters witches and monsters, each more dangerous than the last. His journey weaves together the wisdom of African, Asian, and European storytelling traditions. What emerges is a single tale of triumph that celebrates the universal power of a fearless heart over brute strength.
Genres: adventure, fantasy, fairy-tale-retellings
Vibes: suspenseful, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: found-family, underdog
Setting: Africa, Asia, Europe
Period: 19th-century, 20th-century, 21st-century
40 pages · Hardcover · Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)