A parent might reach for this book when their child feels deeply misunderstood or that the family's rules are unfair. It's for the child who, after being told 'no,' defiantly exclaims 'I'm running away!'. The story follows Markus, a young boy whose parents disapprove of his beloved pet swan. Feeling unheard, Markus and the swan run away into the woods. There, they build a new life and befriend a lonely giant, forming their own unique family. This gentle, imaginative story validates a child’s desire for independence and belonging. It’s an excellent choice for starting conversations about listening to each other's feelings, the meaning of loyalty, and the courage it takes to stand up for what you believe in, even when you're scared.
A giant appears in the woods, which might be initially frightening for very young readers.
Sensitive Topics
The core conflict involves parent-child discord and a child running away from home. The approach is metaphorical, focusing on the emotional journey rather than the practical dangers. The resolution is hopeful but unconventional: Markus finds happiness and belonging with his new friends, not by returning to his family of origin. This lack of reconciliation with the parents is a significant and unusual element.
Ideal Reader
This book is perfect for an imaginative 6 to 8-year-old who feels their passions are not taken seriously by adults. It's for the child who daydreams of independence, who is fiercely loyal to their friends (or pets), and who is beginning to grapple with the idea that their parents aren't always right.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared to discuss the theme of running away. The most crucial point for discussion is the ending. Unlike most books with this theme, the protagonist does not return home. Parents may want to frame this as a fairy tale and use it to talk about finding better ways to solve problems at home, so the child doesn't see running away as a desirable solution. Preview the giant's illustrations for very sensitive children. A parent has just had a major conflict with their child over a rule, a pet, or a friend. The child has said something like, "You just don't get it!" or "I wish I could live somewhere else." The child feels unheard and is emotionally retreating.
Age Experience
A younger child (6-7) will likely focus on the adventure: the loyal swan, building a house in the woods, and making friends with a giant. They will see a simple story of friendship. An older child (8-9) will connect more with the underlying emotional themes of autonomy, being misunderstood, and the satisfaction of creating one's own world and family on one's own terms.
What Makes It Special
While many stories explore a child's frustration and temporary escape (e.g., 'Where the Wild Things Are'), this book is unique because the escape is permanent and presented as a positive outcome. It powerfully validates the child's new, self-made world, suggesting that sometimes belonging is found, not given. This makes it a more radical and potentially more empowering narrative of child independence.
Read plot summary
Markus loves his pet swan, but his parents find it too messy and demand he get rid of it. In an act of loyalty and defiance, Markus runs away with the swan into the woods. They learn to survive on their own and eventually encounter a lonely, weeping giant. Instead of being a monster, the giant is a kindred spirit, and the three form a new, chosen family, living happily together.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Markus's parents told him the swan had to go because it was messy. Do you think they were being fair? What is another way they could have solved the problem together?
2
When Markus and the swan first see the giant, they are afraid. Why do you think the giant was crying? What helped them all become friends?
3
At the end of the book, Markus, the swan, and the giant are a happy family. Do you think Markus ever misses his parents? What makes their new home in the woods a good place for him?
4
Markus was a very loyal friend to his swan, even when it was hard. What does being a loyal friend mean to you? How can you show loyalty to your friends?
