The Mysterious Giant of Barletta

Tomie dePaola brings to life a charming Italian folktale about the town of Barletta and its beloved giant statue. When a formidable army approaches, threatening to destroy everything in its path, the townspeople must find a way to defend their home. Their ingenious plan involves the seemingly inanimate giant, leading to a clever and heartwarming resolution. This picture book is perfect for children aged 3-7, offering themes of bravery, community, and problem-solving through wit rather than violence. It's a wonderful read-aloud that introduces children to the richness of folklore and the power of collective intelligence.

The giant statue that has always stood in front of the Church of San Sepolcro in Barletta is called upon to save the town from an army of a thousand men that is destroying all the towns and cities along the lower Adriatic coast.