We read this over a week or so, one of five chapters every night.

I couldn't get a bead on how well the boys enjoyed this story, though they definitely enjoy the film. I think this is in and of itself an accurate assessment of the work

(UPDATE: the oldest boy brought up, at random while driving home from swimming practice, how much he enjoyed the bit about the space-bat-angel-dragon, what I admittedly consider the weakest part of the story, and asked if we could watch the movie soon.)

A good, heartful story, and Chris Mould's illustrations were wonderfully drawn and colored, but I think the framework for an even better story in Brad Bird's The Iron Giant. The latter takes Hughes' framework and builds a much more compact and believable story with larger, better-rounded characters, and touching story arcs. Hughes' story was definitely warm and squishy at the end, but we didn't get to experience the growth of the Iron Man, nor anything more than a superficial relationship with Hogarth, and we took an abrupt right angle in the final chapters after being very grounded, small-scale, and (comparatively) believable before the world is suddenly afflicted by a continent-sized "space-bat-angel-dragon" that flew through space from a star in Orion's belt and threatened humanity with destruction because it heard humanity arguing and "wanted to join in."

My suspension of disbelief buckled under the weight of these final two chapters, and was not restored when the conclusion attempted to redeem itself by bringing about an end to all conflict.

This is not to diminish Hughes' story. It was a worthy idea that jackknifed at the midpoint. Bird took this story, jettisoned the latter half, and built upon what he was provided, as I'm certain many ancient stories grew and became more profound and better shaped over time after passing through the colanders of many editors.

Also, a note for myself, this is the Ted Hughes who was married to Sylvia Plath.

Bizarre story. Beautiful illustrations.

Not only is this an interesting story, this particular edition has wonderful illustrations. It really bears no resemblance whatsoever to the film (which is also very good), but is actually much more surreal. A great read aloud book for kids of varying ages if they are used to and appreciate unconventional stories.

What a weird book. It seems kinda sloppily written at times though. Like how does a seagull lift an iron hand the size of a bed? And maybe I missed something, but does the giant go through the whole book without one ear? I don't remember reading that he ever found the other one. And if all the organic life is dead, wouldn't there be an essentially limitless amount of "scrap" for the giant to eat? It's a good thing the (spoiler) "space-bat-angel-dragon" - yes, really - was so principled as to not go back on the terms of their agreement... I think I missed the morals of this one. Aside from its charm, whimsey, and two main characters, the book was quite indistinguishable from the film, but at least it didn't have broken families and a "guns are bad" narrative. The giant herein never wields a weapon, let alone transforms into a death-ray toting megatron. There is an anti-war sort of message, (spoiler) e.g. if we don't stop fighting then the heavenly dragons might be inspired to come down and destroy us. But also, the giant came from the heavens (presumably), so it'll all work out? What is the giant supposed to represent? I don't know. It was okay, and I liked it well enough, I suppose (3 stars). I'm sure people will love the illustrated edition, which I'll probably pick up, since it looks beautiful. But I guess I need some help unpacking what we're supposed to have learned from this one, haha. Cleverness beats brute strength, maybe? Use what makes you special (how you were made) to protect others, even if they're different and used to persecute you? Not sure. I can get down with that last one though :)

I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a quick light read (<80 pages! I read it one sitting) and is a fan of the movie/curious of the original story.

edit: It makes a lot more sense now that I realize the giant represents industrialization. I didn't put it together before, but this book is written from a very English perspective, which wasn't how I read it. As an American who's familiar with the very "Americana"/cold war themed movie, this book now seems even more departed from the film.

Also... there's a sequel. The Iron Woman is one I am definitely interested in reading.

The inspiration for the 1999 film The Iron Giant (my favorite movie), The Iron Man is a swift 60-ish page book about a mysterious giant robot who ends up fighting a space dragon. The movie is more my speed, but it was a fun read.

This story didn't go where I expected it. At all.