Giant or Waiting for the Thursday Boat
A challenged children's book featuring God as a little girl.
Giant or Waiting for the Thursday Boat is a children's book by Canadian author Robert Munsch, with illustrations by Gilles Tibo, released in 1989 by Annick Press. The story follows McKeon, the last Giant in Ireland, who is angry that Saint Patrick drove out not only snakes but also elves, giants, and other mythical creatures. In response, McKeon throws church bells into the ocean. Saint Patrick tells him to take his complaint to God, who will arrive "on the Thursday boat." McKeon waits, but the first boat carries only a little girl. He invites her to sit with him as he continues waiting, but no other boats bring God. Frustrated, McKeon takes the girl and leaps into Heaven, where he and Saint Patrick search for God. The little girl then reveals herself as the Almighty, saying there is room in her house for "giants, elves, snakes, saints, and church bells."
The book was challenged or removed from school libraries in Canada because it depicts the Judeo-Christian-Islamic God as a little African American girl, and because the Giant threatens violence against God. Critics at the time were unimpressed; Judith Saltman bluntly said, "This is not one of [Munsch's] better books." It is the only Munsch book that was out of print as of 2021. Shortly after publication, several Ontario school districts banned it for grades K-3, citing its religious themes. However, as of early 2016, it was no longer listed as a challenged book in Canada.
- author
- Robert Munsch
- illustrator
- Gilles Tibo
- published
- 1989
- publisher
- Annick Press
- field
- Children's literature
- nationality
- Canadian
- known_for
- Controversial depiction of God as a little girl
Lore & Background
The plot follows McKeon, the last Giant in Ireland, who is upset that Saint Patrick drove out not only snakes but also elves, giants, and other mythical creatures. In retaliation, McKeon throws church bells into the ocean. Saint Patrick tells him to take up his issue with God, who will arrive 'on the Thursday boat.' McKeon waits, but the first boat carries a little girl, whom he dismisses as not God. After more boats arrive without God, McKeon takes the girl and leaps into Heaven, where he confronts Saint Patrick. The little girl eventually reveals herself as the Almighty, stating that inside her house there is room for 'giants, elves, snakes, saints, and church bells.'
Reader's Guide
Giant or Waiting for the Thursday Boat holds significance as the only one of Robert Munsch's books that was out of print as of 2021. Shortly after publication, several school districts in Ontario, Canada banned the book for grades K-3, citing religious themes—particularly God represented as a little girl and McKeon's threats of violence toward God. Critics at the time were unkind; Judith Saltman stated bluntly, 'This is not one of [Munsch's] better books.' However, the book has received a re-evaluation by modern readers. As of early 2016, it is not currently listed as a challenged book in Canada. Its legacy lies in its controversial reception and its status as a rare example of a Munsch work facing removal from school libraries.
Did You Know?
- The book depicts the Judeo-Christian-Islamic God as a little African American girl.
- It was challenged or removed from school libraries in Canada shortly after publication.
- It is the only one of Robert Munsch's books that was out of print as of 2021.
- As of early 2016, Giant is not currently listed as a challenged book in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote Giant or Waiting for the Thursday Boat and when was it published?
Canadian children's author Robert Munsch wrote the story, with artwork by Gilles Tibo. Annick Press released the book in 1989.
What is the plot of Giant or Waiting for the Thursday Boat?
McKeon, the last giant left in Ireland, is furious that Saint Patrick banished all mythical creatures along with the snakes. He hurls church bells into the sea, and Saint Patrick tells him to lodge his grievance with God, who is supposedly arriving on the Thursday boat.
Who is McKeon and what is his role in the story?
McKeon is the sole surviving giant in Ireland after the legendary purging of supernatural beings. He functions as the protagonist, voicing anger and a sense of dispossession over being cast out of his own land.
How does Giant or Waiting for the Thursday Boat end?
After a long wait, the Thursday boat finally arrives carrying a little girl who turns out to be God. McKeon invites her to sit beside him, and the tale closes on this quiet, gentle encounter rather than a grand divine reckoning.
Why was Giant or Waiting for the Thursday Boat challenged in some communities?
The book depicts God as a little girl, a choice that prompted complaints from readers who found the portrayal theologically inappropriate. It stands as one of Munsch's more frequently challenged titles despite being a work of children's literature.
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