Goodness Gracious, Gulliver Mulligan Book

Gulliver Mulligan is twice as tall as his classmates, with big shoes and bigger hats. A loner, though not by choice, he colors by himself in class while the other kids play games, do crafts, and dress up. He watches while all the children play together after school but never joins in.

One day, a new boy arrives in Gulliver's class — a small, shy boy named Mortimer Goss. Mortimer and Gulliver are as different as can be, but when the class's fall outing takes a fateful turn, Gulliver Mulligan is faced with a challenge. Will he be up to it? In this touching story, an unusual friendship grows where it's least expected.

Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz - Children's Literature

Poor Gulliver is twice as large as anyone in his class. He never says anything; just watches the other children play. One day a new boy joins the class. Mortimer Goss is very small, and seems very unhappy. When the class goes on a nature walk, Mortimer gets stuck under a tree trunk. Only Gulliver is strong enough to free him. Not only is Gulliver declared a hero, but he and Mortimer become best friends. The not-so-subtle lesson in tolerance is spiced with many touches of color and humor provided by the multi-detailed color illustrations. The classroom is realistically outfitted with art materials, sand box, piano, library, plants, etc. plus about twenty individual children busy at tables and on the floor. The youngsters all have personalities, some not so pleasant when they tease Gulliver. Most developed are those of good-natured Gulliver, little Mortimer, decked out in his thick glasses and favorite yellow, and their busy teacher, Mrs. Honeytree. 2002, Raincoast Books, Ages 4 to 8.