The Happy Troll
Kindergarten-Grade 3-Originally published in Switzerland in 1983, this moralistic story tells of a little troll who has a beautiful voice. Trolls near and far come to hear Gus sing, bearing water, nuts, berries, and the occasional shiny pebble. He is quite happy until the day a raven wearing a golden ring comes to listen. Mesmerized by the glittering ornament, Gus strikes a bargain: a song for the ring, and thus begins his downfall. A snake with a golden crown and a frog with a golden carriage make similar arrangements. Now the troll will no longer perform for trifles, preferring to ride around to show off his riches. Eventually, he grows sad and lonely, finally losing his gift altogether. He tracks down the animals and returns their treasures, explaining that he no longer needs them and that he is looking for his songs. At last-hungry, thirsty, with aching feet-he makes his way home and finds them. Using oil pastels on gesso, Sís creates a miniature world of childlike trolls in colorful suits. The outdoor backdrops are celebrated in rich greens, blues, and earth tones, and the animals and the carriage with its snail wheels are striking in detail. While the story has been told before, Bolliger's simple, eloquent language perfectly taps into a child's sensibilities.-Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public SchoolsCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.