Tom Thumb is a little boy- a very little boy. Just about the size of his father’s thumb.
But Tom is very adventurous for such a little person, and his curiosity gets him into some difficult situations-he is baked in a cake, chomped by a cow, carried away by a raven, gobbled by a giant, and swallowed by a fish! Rescued from the fish’s stomach by King Arthur’s cook, Tom finds his troubles aren’t over yet. For the giant declares war on King Arthur’s court, and the only person who know how to stop him is Tom. With courage, wit, and the help of some animal friends, Tom shows that though he may be a very small boy, he is a great hero.

Richard Jesse Watson’s dramatic illustrations and skillful retelling of this well-loved tale draw the reader into Tom’s world-where cows are as big as monsters and tomato plants are trees; where adventure can begin with something as small as a bowl of cake batter or as big as an angry giant. A world children know something about.

 

Media Reviews of Tom Thumb:

“Not only is ours a great age of storytelling; it is also a golden age of illustration. Richard Jesse Watson’s Tom Thumb will take your breath away.”
Connoisseur, 9/90

“Mr. Watson’s paintings from Tom Thumb are intricately detailed...”
The New York Times, Sunday, 1/28/90

“Every Picture Tells A Story, (Children’s Book Art Gallery in Los Angeles) Lois Sarkisian, owner: ‘The current show at the gallery centers on Richard Jesse Watson’s egg tempera paintings in his retelling of Tom Thumb. There was an incredible reaction to Tom Thumb as soon as it came out. It is a very popular book. It’s beautiful and has an emotional content. Buyers agree. As of last week, 11 of the 20 Watson paintings on display, including the $7000. , center spread from Tom Thumb were sold.”
Los Angeles Times, Calendar, 1/21/90

“Clearly one of the best illustrated books of this publishing season, this large volume offers an extensive retelling of the old folk tale... The exquisite full-page color drawings radiate texture, feeling and mood.”
Chicago Sun Times, 6/11/89

“His story is traditional, but his illustrations are spectacular. Warm tones, realistic depiction, great variety, startling perspectives, and much else contribute to make a visual adventure. At times Watson seems to pay homage to the Dutch masters of naturalism, at other times his intense detailing recalls etching; and he paints plants and animals with exuberance. All of this combines to work real magic... In this case, the pictures will keep anyone entranced, no matter what his size.”
Book World, 3/12/89

“...Watson’s full-color, realistic artwork; in startling perspectives and several striking close ups, he transports the reader fully into Tom’s thumb-size world.”
Publishers Weekly, 3/10/89

“Watson takes an old favorite to new heights in this handsome edition filled with remarkable, eye-catching illustrations. Reminiscent of Kit Williams work in Masquerade, these pictures brim with life. Watson is especially adept at drawing animals; the mice, rabbits, and frogs look as if they are about to spring off the pages. Bold two-page spreads mingle with cameo-size pictures, all crafted with precision and imagination. An arresting rendition.”
Booklist, Children’s Editor’s Choice 1989, 4/15/89