• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

The first in a series of scary tall tales from award-winning children’s novelist Philippa Dowding.

Why is Grandpa acting so weird? And why are there so many giant flies?

Jake spends every summer on his grandpa’s farm. But this year, things are a little weird. First, there are huge flies everywhere. Second, Grandpa is acting kind of funny. And third, Jake’s friend Kate keeps trying to scare him with creepy stories. Last year’s tale about the swamp creature was bad enough, but this year’s story about a hand that someone found in a farmer’s field is even worse. And it wasn’t just any hand either. It was a giant’s hand!

It might just be the creepiest story of all. It can’t be real. Can it?

Philippa Dowding is a children’s author, poet, musician and copywriter. She has won many industry awards and has had poetry and short fiction published in journals across North America. Her children’s books have been nominated for numerous literary awards in Canada and abroad, including the SYRCA Diamond Willow, OLA Silver Birch, OLA Red Maple, Hackmatack and White Raven awards. In 2017, Myles and the Monster Outside was an OLA Silver Birch Express Honour Book and her 2021 novel, Firefly, won a Governor General’s Literary Award in the Children’s Literature – Text category. Philippa Dowding currently lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Philippa Dowding's profile page

• Commended, Top Grade: CanLit for the Classroom selection
• Commended, Dewey Divas and the Dudes Fall Picks

A tall tale for around the campfire.

Allan Stratton

Recommended ... Jake and the Giant Hand is a good book for reluctant readers. It is an easy read, with simple language and a similar presentation to a fireside ghost story.

CM Magazine

A fast-paced read...funny and creepy

Richard Scrimger

Jake’s adventures and his questions will attract readers interested in ghost stories and mysteries, as well as adventure. The author’s tongue-in-cheek opening and closing will relieve any fears that some of these readers may develop.

Resource Links

Philippa Dowding has cooked up a delicious blend of mystery, humour, and adventure that middle-grade readers are sure to devour!

Richard Scarsbrook

This is a well-crafted horror story with a suspenseful buildup and truly creepy details . . .

School Library Journal