Jake and the Giant Hand by Philippa Dowding

The farm has been in Jake's family for over 100 years.  Every summer he goes to stay with his Grandpa for two weeks.  This year will be different...

Dundurn allowed me to read this book for review (thank you).  It will be published October 21st, so make a note to pick it up then.

If you like tall tales, you'll like this book.  Jake's Grandpa is always telling stories, most of which sound made up or greatly exaggerated.  There seems to be a grain of truth in them, but it's hard to find.  At age twelve, Jake doesn't want to hear these stories anymore.  But the neighbor children's ghost stories are OK.  They scared him a bit, but he knew it was made up and not real.  Then one story they tell starts to become real...

It starts with huge flies that no one else sees.  They are so big and dangerous, he even has to save his Grandpa from them!  The ghostly tale was about a huge hand found in a field that has a wedding ring on it.  No one knew where it came from and no one knew where it went.  It was like a one day wonder.  But the gossip and rumors still floated around.

When the kids try to find evidence of it really happening, it "disappears".  But Jake can see something of the photo that comes up blocked; it's the same handle on the pump of their well at home.  Jake suddenly begins to realize the farm they inherited is probably the site the hand fell on.

This story is scary, full of surprises and total nonsense.  Even the author reminds you she started the story with the notion that not all tales are true.  I found it a fun read and even inspirational.  Why not let your child write their own tall tale?  Using your imagination is a good thing!

Happy reading.