Scholastic Inc. 1982
Reading Level: 8+ Number of Pages: 208 Genre: Children. Fiction.
Federation of Children's Book Groups Award (UK 1982)
Deutsche Jugendliteraturpreis (Germany 1984)
International Board on Books for Young People awards for Norwegian and German translations (1986)
Good Book Guide "Best Books of the Past 20 Years" (UK 1997)
Summary: Sophie has been carried off by a giant, but the BFG is no ordinary monster. The Big Friendly Giant is only one of many giants that exist, but is very unlike the ones that eat children. When Sophie finds out that the other giants are off to England to eat people, she enlists the help of the BFG and the Queen of England to capture the giants.
My Impressions: The first thing that struck me about this book was the sadness expressed by Sophie in the orphanage, coupled by her traumatic capture by a giant. As it turns out, the BFG is friendly, and the two become a valiant pair, working together to beat the terrible man-eating giants. I feel it is significant that Sophie is shown to grow from a sad and hopeless position to a place where she can be useful and helpful; as a reader it is easy to identify with her. The BFG is also a surprisingly real character. Despite his jumbly manner of speech, it is clear that he is a good person, even if he is awkward and also downtrodden.
"'I is hungry!' the Giant boomed. He grinned, showing massive square teeth. The teeth were very white and very square and they sat in his mouth like huge slices of white bread.
'P . . . please don't eat me,' Sophie Stammered.
The Giant let out a bellow of laughter. 'Just because I is a giant, you think I is a man-gobbling cannybull!'"
My Impressions: The first thing that struck me about this book was the sadness expressed by Sophie in the orphanage, coupled by her traumatic capture by a giant. As it turns out, the BFG is friendly, and the two become a valiant pair, working together to beat the terrible man-eating giants. I feel it is significant that Sophie is shown to grow from a sad and hopeless position to a place where she can be useful and helpful; as a reader it is easy to identify with her. The BFG is also a surprisingly real character. Despite his jumbly manner of speech, it is clear that he is a good person, even if he is awkward and also downtrodden.
Parent's Guide: The BFG deals with some very real forms of humanity, such as neglect, orphaning, and abuse. An episode with a Giant named Bloodbottler particularly evidences this, as the giant bullys the BFG, insulting him and attempting to hurt him physically. Sophie herself is nearly eaten in this encounter. Sophie, of course is abducted from the orphanage, and fears that she will be eaten. Despite the apparent danger the characters are exposed to, they manage to find a solution to their problems which leads to a happy ending.
Parents may also question the BFG's favorite drink, the bubbles of which cause very flatulent "whizpoppers." Treated as humorous, and not intended to be rude.
Parents may also question the BFG's favorite drink, the bubbles of which cause very flatulent "whizpoppers." Treated as humorous, and not intended to be rude.
Recommendations: The BFG is a good read. I would recommend it to people who would like to experience an unusual or different sort of story. The author is well known for "James and the Giant Peach," "Matilda," and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Readers familiar with his style will definitely enjoy the unusual story of the BFG.
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