Troll - by Frances Stickley (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Meet Troll -- an underground bully who learns the power of words and empathy - in this gently powerful picture book just right for sharing and storytimes."--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

A Children's Book Council Summer 2024 Showcase: Imagination Celebration! Pick

Meet Troll -- an underground bully who learns the power of words and empathy - in this gently powerful picture book just right for sharing and storytimes.

Once, there was a scary troll with a scary voice and the scariest love for trolling the forest creatures that dared to come anywhere near him. Each day, he shouted nasty warnings to passersby, telling them to hurry along. But he never faced his victims, choosing instead to shout the obscenities from inside his cave. Then one day Troll comes face to face with one of those victims: a sweet little rabbit, who can't hear and, therefore, can't understand Troll's bullyish behavior. Suddenly, trolling isn't as fun for Troll when the recipient is real.and defenseless.

Join Troll as he learns the power of words to both empower and to harm and relish in his transformation from thug to friend as he embraces a new voice for love.--Maryann Owen

Review Quotes

TROLL
By Frances Stickley; illustrated by Stefano Martinuz
Booklist
October 15, 2024

Stickley's charming tale reveals how kindness can reap numerous rewards for both the giver and the recipient. Smoothly rhyming couplets tell of a round, hairy troll with a large green nose who rules over a bridge. Hiding underneath it and using a bullhorn to amplify his voice, he enjoys intimidating the creatures who attempt to cross. One day, a deaf bunny doesn't hear Troll's rude warning shouts and approaches his dwelling. Though she's not afraid of Troll, she can tell she's not welcome, so she reluctantly leaves him alone. When she's gone, Troll, disappointed and lonely, realizes it might be time for him to practice a little kindness. Watching and listening to him work on his attitude adjustment is humorous, as he is clueless about where to begin. However, practice makes perfect, and he sticks with it until "he [finds] the beauty in the world." Sometimes it takes courage to be kind, but the payoff is tremendous, as is demonstrated in this delightful story. -- Maryann Owen

--Maryann Owen

"TROLL is a remarkable story that shows readers what #UnityEveryDay is all about: kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. ...[T]he book reminds everyone that there is good in all of us and sometimes we just need to be shown the way. ...[I]t creates a powerful moment for readers and reminds them that positive change is possible for everyone." - Lisa Elm, Director of Social Inclusion Programs, PACER--Lisa Elm

About the Author

Frances Stickley grew up in Nottingham and Norwich, where she spent much of her time making up poems and dressing up her dog. She is a trained children's literacy specialist and a primary school teacher who is happiest when she is covered in paint or stuck in a book. In 2017, Frances was the winner of the Bloomsbury and National Literacy Trust short story prize. She lives with her family and a big-eared dog called Babbage in the UK. When she is not writing, you'll probably find her in a forest playing dragons with her daughters.