[.ca] The Mysterious Giant of Barletta: An Italian Folktale (ISBN 0152563490)

The Mysterious Giant of Barletta-- by: Tomie dePaola:
This story comes from Italy and is a great experience for children. In reading this book, they learn about one of the tales of other countries and towns, passed down from generation to generation. In this story, an old woman and the Mysterious Giant statue save the village of Barletta, Italy with some quick wit, good acting, and cooperation. This exercises the imaginations of the children reading it. My favorite character was Zia Concetta. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Delightful Story with Surprising Conclusion:
My second grader is a big fan of Tomie DePaola, and this book did not disappoint him. The Mysterious Giant of Barletta watches over the town and enjoys his place in it until an army from another town comes to destroy his peaceful home. Zia Concetta, the oldest resident of the town, and the mysterious giant "put their heads together" and come up with a creative--and non-violent--plan for saving Barletta. DePaola includes a touch of the Italian language which helps to transport the reader's imagination to the setting. A fun story with darling illustrations, the Mysterious Giant of Barletta is already one of my child's favorites.

A Giant Helps:
A fun read concerning a mysterious, beloved statue in the townof Barletta,Italy,(statues origin is unknown) and a villager whocombine wits to save the village from an invading army. Children liked the book for its humor and the illustrations by De Paola.Teachers could use as a story starter about how the statue came to Barletta. Clever and funny.