Everyone knows what giants are, right? Huge mountainous creatures who could easily stamp all over us without breaking into a sweat. But did you ever think of what life would be like for a small giant? Can you even say small giant?
That's the problem with Muncle Trogg. He's so tiny that even his baby sister is bigger than him. Forget second helpings, he can't cope with normal quantities of food. A snack for his brother is more than a full meal. Poor Muncle has trouble in school as well; forget bullying and no friends. He can't even take regular subjects because they require giant-sized strength. All that he can cope with is Dragon Science and Smalling Studies (Smallings — by the way, are what the giants call us humans).
And during a trip to the Smalling Museum, the Wise Man realises Muncle would fit into Smalling clothes and suggests Muncle wear them for the king's forthcoming birthday celebrations. But Muncle wanders off to explore the Smalling world instead. Here he meets Emily, who gets herself captured and given to the king's daughter. Her fate: either be a plaything or be eaten.
Muncle, of course, is not going to let his friend suffer needlessly. So he evolves a plan to rescue her; only his plan winds up rescuing the giants from the Smallings and their ‘magic stick' (guns). To say more would mean giving away all the fun
While the book is meant for eight to 10 year olds, Janet Foxley's book works well for adults as well. Issues such as bullying and empathy for those differently abled are woven in without seeming preachy. Illustrations scattered through the text add to the appeal. This is a great addition to your library. Grab it.
MUNCLE TROGG by Janet Foxley, Scholastic, Rs. 175