Tuesday Storytime: Larger Than Life Men

I love tall tales and stories of people who are larger than life.  This week we're looking at some fantastic men.  Once February is over (I Love My Library Month) we'll come back to this topic with some equally fantastic women.

Paul Bunyan's Sweetheart
Marybeth Lorbeicki, illustrated by Renee Graef
ISBN: 9781585362899
This one was just adorable, and oddly enough, the best out of all the Paul Bunyan books I could find.  You'd think that the major American tall-tale lumberjack would have a whole slew of options for the youngest age-groups to get introduced, but he really doesn't.  I'm glad I found this option before I gave up in disgust.  Lovely bright artwork punctuates a lively story about Paul trying (and failing) to impress an eco-conscious Minnesota gal with his typical feats, before she takes pity on the big-hearted logger and helps him improve himself and his environmental footprint.  The eco message isn't overly subtle, but neither are you bashed over the head with it, and I enjoyed the images of Bunyan trying (and failing) so hard at all the tests he is set.

The Story of Charles Atlas: Strong Man
Meghan McCarthy
ISBN: 9780375929403
This overtly cartoony biography if Charles Atlas is simply nifty.  I love the bug-eyed people, the comic-book-panels, the mix of black-and-white and color images.  The story isn't shabby either - all about the power of self-determination and strength of will as well as of body.  The ending has a few illustrated calisthenics for eager readers to try, and an author's note has two pages of history and social impact caused by Charles, as well as a black and white photograph of Atlas himself, looking buff and happy about it.

My Daddy is a Giant
Carl Norac, illustrated by Ingrid Godon
ISBN: 0618443991
This one brings it back down into the personal realm, with a sweet journey showing a typical daddy from his very small child's perspective.  Exaggerated characteristics are echoed in the pictures, but the dad and child are always front and center, and the dad, no matter how giant, is always friendly and soft-edged.