The Five Giants

"The Five Giants" by Daniel P. Kidder is an allegorical story for kids that came out in the 1800s. It's about five giants, each one representing a big force of nature: Fire, Water, Wind, Gunpowder, and Steam. The book uses these giants to teach kids about how powerful these forces are and how much they affect people's lives. Fire, called Flare, can cook food but also burn things down. Water, known as Roar, gives life but can also cause floods. Wind or Blow likes to play but can be wild. Bounce stands for Gunpowder, used in fun fireworks and dangerous weapons. Rush is Steam, known for its work in factories. The story shows that these giants can be good or bad, and it reminds everyone that there is always a greater power in control overall.