The Giant Cockroach

The Giant Cockroach is a story about a regular insect who appears giant to a tiny mite. The mite, who happens to be a reporter, broadcasts his mistaken view through the media, and the animals of Storytown, addicted to their sillyphones and TV screens, are convinced that they are facing a powerful monster. Frightened, they submit to the cockroach. And the cockroach, also convinced of his monstrous powers, becomes their dictator. Outsiders pointing to the animals in this echo-chamber their mistake are dismissed. Fortunately, a sparrow unaware of media reports sees the cockroach for what he is and swallows it, causing general celebration. The purpose of the story is to discourage among children a blind trust of the widespread unchecked views, encourage independent thinking, and suggest that standing up to evil is better than cowering before it. It is difficult to find books that can help little children choose what they want to be when they grow up. With so many grownups around them struggling with their identities, with so many choices, and so little knowledge, kids today need such help. To develop their selves and decide who they are, they need simple, non-confrontational ideals. That's why, after decades of study and writing about our complex society, which makes identity formation so problematic, Liah Greenfeld decided to create a series of books for young children.