wanderaven's review
3.0
I'm not entirely sure why I expected more from this book that I ended up with. I somehow expected more... emotion, and I found myself slightly confused by some of what happened at the end of the story, though I have to wonder if I somehow missed something, despite going back a few pages to re-read. But the art is beautiful, and worth reading the story leisurely to really feel Goliath's world.
myrsini's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
kazio1993's review
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
shanyreader's review
4.0
So I'll actually make a review now so I don't forget later Ms. Myers :)
Likes: I think that this is a book that has so much in the things that it doesn't say. In the simple words that people say, THAT's where the book really comes out. The actions and expressions are subtle and well, it's definitely a new spin on the whole Goliath thing. I mean, he's with you for only a few pages, but you really like him because he's sometimes funny, very caring, and well...it's good to see such a pure character. I love the characters because they're simple--in a book like this, complicated characters aren't needed. The bear and how he kind of represented Goliath, the shield-bearer who's naiive but not to the point of annoyance, and just...AGH! I'm rambling--this book is subdued but that's what gives it it's greatness I think.
Dislikes: ...Well, the drawing style isn't my favorite personally, but it worked so well in a book of this simplicity.
Recommended group: 6th grade and up--there's a death scene in the end (of course), but besides that, it's easy for a child to understand and it's very endearing. Maybe more for younger kids than the older ones unless they like their bible stories :)
Likes: I think that this is a book that has so much in the things that it doesn't say. In the simple words that people say, THAT's where the book really comes out. The actions and expressions are subtle and well, it's definitely a new spin on the whole Goliath thing. I mean, he's with you for only a few pages, but you really like him because he's sometimes funny, very caring, and well...it's good to see such a pure character. I love the characters because they're simple--in a book like this, complicated characters aren't needed. The bear and how he kind of represented Goliath, the shield-bearer who's naiive but not to the point of annoyance, and just...AGH! I'm rambling--this book is subdued but that's what gives it it's greatness I think.
Dislikes: ...Well, the drawing style isn't my favorite personally, but it worked so well in a book of this simplicity.
Recommended group: 6th grade and up--there's a death scene in the end (of course), but besides that, it's easy for a child to understand and it's very endearing. Maybe more for younger kids than the older ones unless they like their bible stories :)
joshgauthier's review
5.0
Gauld's quiet, melancholy humor works perfectly in this retelling that tackles themes of bureaucracy, fame, and personal goals vs. cultural influence.
lienl's review
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
3.5
zoes_human's review
5.0
A wonderful, minimalist retelling of a familiar story which manages still have a shocking though not surprising ending. The stark simplicity of the artwork is fantastic and enhances the growing sense of emotional unease.
cesarcastanha's review
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0