Review by Booklist Review
Ages 4-8. With the flavor of a Scandinavian folktale, this engaging picture book has lots for little eyes to spy. Treva, blond braids flying, is the spunky, determined narrator, who has "trouble with trolls" when five of them try to steal Tuffi, her beloved dog. Treva tricks the first troll into letting Tuffi go in exchange for her mittens; she bribes the next with her hat, which becomes a troll nose-warmer; she gives the third her sweater for dragging pots; and the fourth and fifth take her boots to wear on their heads. But her troubles still aren't over--when she spots five familiar shadows ahead, she realizes that trolls are a stubborn bunch and she'll need another trick to save her dog. Bursting with energy and fine detail, the double-page spreads, which escape their cross-stitch borders, depict a beautiful mountain landscape, dotted with trees and rocks that make excellent hiding places for the pesky trolls. Cutaway scenes beneath the spreads tell a concurrent story, picturing the trolls readying their home for Tuffi while an uninvited guest works its way down the chimney, then inside. Playful and funny, with a valiant female protagonist, this is a first-rate read, wintertime or anytime. ~--Stephanie Zvirin
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
A brave girl outwits some trolls when they try to kidnap her dog. "A wintry winner with a sunny glow," said PW. Ages 3-8. (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 3-- Treva's trouble begins when she and her dog, Tuffi, go up Mount Baldy. She meets five white-haired trolls, all intent on taking Tuffi; they want a dog and have filled their underground burrow with the things such a pet would need. Quick-thinking Treva, using tactics worthy of Br'er Rabbit, convinces the trolls that her mittens, hat, sweater, etc., are much more important to her than a dog, but wins all her belongings back before she and Tuffi escape down the mountain. Obviously influenced by Scandinavian folklore, the story is appealing. With the fine details that have become her trademark, Brett tells two stories at the same time: the child's encounters with the trolls appear on the top three-fourths of each spread, and a cross-section of their abode occupies the bottom. A humorous subplot involves a curious hedgehog. Set against a wintery, snow-capped background, the saturated colors seem to jump off the page. As always, Brett does a remarkably realistic job of depicting clothing and the natural landscape. Less successful, however, are her renderings of Treva and Tuffi, who have a slightly frozen quality. But the trolls are a personable bunch and readers may hate to see them disappear at the end. Overall, a visually attractive and accessible book that's ideal for individual use, but also fun to share aloud. --Denise Anton Wright, Illinois State Univ . , Normal (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
A young girl outwits some trolls who try to steal her dog for a pet, but a happy ending is in store for the trolls, too -- the borders show a hedgehog, who has discovered the trolls' underground home, thoroughly enjoying the food, toys, and bed laid out in anticipation for a dog. Another wintertime treat from Brett, complete with a snowy woodland setting, colorful costumes, and a sturdy, Scandinavian heroine. From HORN BOOK 1992, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Treva and her dog Tuffi are setting out over the mountain when a small, engaging troll tries to kidnap Tuffi. Quick-witted Treva gets him to take her mittens instead, only to confront another dog-loving troll--who is satisfied with Treva's hat. So it goes until, on the mountaintop, Treva tricks the trolls into giving back her things, and--dog in arms--``flies'' on her skis, down the mountain and out of reach. It's a beguiling variant of the lost clothes theme that made Little Black Sambo so popular (without, of course, its less fortunate qualities); as an added attraction, the troll's underground ménage provides a charmingly detailed border and an amiable subplot suggesting that the trolls will soon find a more suitable pet. Nicely plotted, with unusually imaginative and appealing illustrations featuring Norwegian folk art motifs, rendered with verve and exquisite care. (Picture book. 4-8)
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
