Publisher's Synopsis
Giovanni lived in the mountains of Italy one hundred and fifty years ago. His particular mountain -- that is, the one closest to the front of his house -- was very strange, with one side a forest and the other all rocks and cliffs where strange creatures dwelled. One day, while disobeying his father and uncles, who were woodcutters, Giovanni followed them up into the forest. There, in a clearing in the woods, he met Brusco, the giant talking wolf, and they became best friends for life. He would meet other giant creatures, Pedrone the giant centaur and Jubileo the giant snake, and learn that each had special abilities. And together they would also meet and do battle against terrifying monstrosities who wanted to destroy all families and friendships, including that between Giovanni and Suzie, his best human friend, who was just as brave as Giovanni and could jump even higher. Giovanni's other friends, like the timid Beppo and the mysterious vole (who was so small one could barely see him), also shared his adventures, as did his four uncles. As the stories move along, so do the mysteries, adventures, and surprises -- each of which tests Giovanni's character. Will he prevail as he prepares for a very special occasion? Or will his marvelous and frightening discoveries, as well as one monstrosity after another, including the Greatest Monstrosity, finally triumph? Yes, Giovanni's human and giant friends, as well as his loyal family -- especially his wondrous mother and her mother-friends, along with the mystical Uncle Andrea -- will help. But finally Giovanni will feel all alone. At last the tales move across generations, and the teller asks you to share his belief, above all in the old man who told him the stories.
