Copyright Date:
2020
Edition Date:
2020
Release Date:
01/19/21
Illustrator:
Hillgrove, Justin,
Pages:
1 volume (unpaged)
ISBN:
1-632-17246-1
ISBN 13:
978-1-632-17246-4
Dewey:
E
LCCN:
2019052872
Dimensions:
29 cm.
Language:
English
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews
Self-actualization for this chipper bridge dweller comes when he trades goats for glory.Failure comes in many forms. Cliff, alas, has mastered them all. He may be green and somewhat rectangular in shape, but at troll school, he's just the worst. Everything-his demeanor, his singing, his vegetarianism-rankles his teacher and classmates. Ready to try something new, Cliff high-tails it to pirate school instead. Though it fits his personality to a T, the work is tough, and the little troll lives in fear of his next report card. Fortunately, when you love what you're doing, that can make all the difference. There are smidgens of cleverness hidden in the margins of this seemingly simple tale. Jokes like one troll saying, "Trolls are landlubbers," followed by "YEAH! We lub the land!" hit the spot. Likewise, while the cartoon art remains bubbly and cheery, it isn't afraid to slip in the occasional "tibi ipsi esto fidelis" ("to thine own self be true") hidden on a bridge for kicks. Cliff's awakening isn't granted without hard work on his part, an idea that has broad application. Even dreams must be earned.Inspiration for anyone hoping to find a crew of foulmouthed, barnacle-laden sea dogs of their very own. (Picture book. 4-6)
This sweet and funny story is about feeling different and embracing who we are.
A fun and original story by Barbara Davis-Pyles, author of Grizzly Boy and Stubby the Fearless Squid, about a troll named Cliff who isn't very good at sitting still or being a "proper" troll. He'd much rather be a pirate anyway!
"Ahoy!" he shouts upon meeting other trolls, who then remind him that the proper troll hello is "Go away!" After a report card full of Fs in bridge building, stoney staring, and even goat gobbling (he's a vegetarian!), Cliff sets off for pirate school.
But are things different for him there? Aye, that they arrrre!
This humorous story is about appreciating who we are and knowing there is a place where we fit in the world.