Keeper of the Crystals: Eve and the Hidden Giant by Jess Black

Big Sky Publishing, 2017. ISBN 9781925594003
(Age: 9+) Recommended. Travelling in a giant's armpit and escaping a tsunami in a faraway land is just another day for Eve, Keeper of the Crystals. While bushwalking, Eve, her best friend Oscar and Eve's dragon companion Ingvar are blown about by a strong wind. They end up in the land of the giants where they meet Trotag. Trotag is a rogue giant and rogue giants are destroying the land. However, Trotag wants to be a creator giant but has never had the courage to approach the creator giants. Of course, Eve is a brave girl and as a crystal keeper and a keen adventurer she persuades Trotag to approach the other giants. Will the new friends be able to help stop the rogue giants? Will Trotag get a chance to join the creator giants?
Keeper of the Crystals: Eve and the Hidden Giant is a lovely tale with a strong female lead and a mythical theme. The story is descriptive and engaging. Readers will enjoy the adventures of Eve and Oscar. They will admire Eve's bravery and Oscar's happy-go-lucky attitude.
Readers will laugh at the idea of a giant riding a tree as a surfboard. The story also carries simple themes of friendship, listening to others and peaceful ways to solve conflict. It would be good for the Child Protection curriculum as teachers could use excerpts to discuss mixed feelings. This book is recommended for readers aged 9+.
Kylie Kempster