Seven Ways to Trick a Troll

2017
Author:

Lise Lunge-Larsen
Illustrations by Kari Vick

In seven whimsical, entertaining folktales, children discover trolls’ weaknesses, as well as their own strengths

Trolls are huge and ugly and very, very dangerous; but luckily, their brains are no bigger than a walnut, so even small children can trick them—and that’s where these playful folktales come in. Taken from a wide range of historical and international sources, Seven Ways to Trick a Troll will delight and entertain imaginations of all ages.

A fresh gathering of trollish tales and lore from a veteran storyteller and folklorist.

Kirkus Reviews

Trolls! They are huge and ugly and very, very dangerous. But luckily, their brains are no bigger than a walnut, so even small children can trick them. First, though, you need to know their weaknesses—and that’s where these stories come in. It is helpful to know what a little girl can do when she finds out that trolls hate loud noises. Or how two brothers might make an entire family of horrible trolls burst and turn to stone. Or what a clever little gnome boy does when he discovers that trolls are ever so easily distracted. Helpful, but also great fun, and it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of all the tricks children already know when it comes to overcoming trolls—or other fearsome beings and things.

Patience, kindness, courage, and quick thinking—what works against trolls are the best things about being human. Taken from a wide range of historical and international sources, Seven Ways to Trick a Troll will delight and entertain imaginations of all ages.

Lise Lunge-Larsen has received many awards for her books, including a USA Today’s “Best Illustrated Book,” numerous ALA Notable awards, American Folklore Society awards, the Horn Book Award, and three Minnesota Book Awards. She is author of The Troll with No Heart in His Body (Minnesota, 2013) and most recently Gifts from the Gods. She lives in Duluth, where trolls can still be found if you really look for them.

Kari Vick has been affiliated with Sivertson Gallery of Grand Marais, Minnesota, for more than thirty years. She has explored the traditional stories of Native American, Canadian Inuit, Northwest Coast, and Alaskan Iñupiat and Yupik cultures. She lives with her family along the rocky shoreline of Lake Superior in Lutsen, Minnesota, where she continues to search for trolls.

A fresh gathering of trollish tales and lore from a veteran storyteller and folklorist.

Kirkus Reviews

Given the ongoing demand for illustrated folktales, and the dwindling number of books published in recent years, here’s an appealing choice for libraries.

Booklist

A great read by a warm fire on a cold winter day.

Lake Superior Magazine

Today’s children often have no shortage of worries and problems of their own – from playground bullies to world events – and Lunge-Larsen hopes the book gives them (and grownups) the confidence to remember they hold the tools to take life into their own hands.

Mpls St. Paul Magazine

If you love to read to grandchildren or school children, you’ll want to share the stories in this page book.

Ely Echo

This is an excellent and engaging book that is beautifully illustrated.

Stuart’s Study

Contents

Introduction

Little Goose
The Ashlad Who Stole the Troll’s Treasures
The Hen Is Tripping in the Mountain
The Boys Who Met Trolls in the Woods
A Narrow Escape
The Troll Who Played Hide-and-Go-Seek
Tor Out-Skis the Trolls

How to Spot a Troll

Sources