Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Tired of being asked to do chores, Rollo, -a very wild troll,- runs away from home in Brett-s (The 3 Little Dassies) atmospheric holiday adventure. Set in the mountains of Sweden, the book introduces a cast of naturalistic woodland animals, portrayed in intricate detail in Brett-s watercolor and gouache paintings. As Rollo befriends various animal families (that more or less tolerate his presence), borders resembling birch bark depict the goings-on back home, where his family obviously misses him, and preview which creatures he will next encounter. The reformed Rollo-s homecoming, just in time for Christmas celebrations, is foregone yet no less heartwarming. Ages 3-5. (Nov.)

ALA Booklist (Sat Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2011)

The jolly, stiff-haired trolls seen in Trouble with Trolls (1992) and Christmas Trolls (1993) are back. Rollo runs away from his troll family when he tires of doing chores. He joins a series of animal families but runs into trouble at each spot; for instance, while with a family of bears, he hogs a beehive and gets stung. At last, though, the cold reminds him of the comforts of home st in time for Christmas Eve. Brett's signature watercolor illustrations with elaborate borders wonderfully evoke the Swedish setting. Given Brett's popularity, old and new fans alike will no doubt acquire this as a family gift and be equally satisfied.

Horn Book (Sun Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2012)

Rollo, a wild and misbehaving young troll, runs away from home. After months living with owls, bears, and moose, he realizes he fits in best with his family. Just in time for Christmas, Rollo returns home a changed troll. Brett's signature borders surround her detailed illustrations of Rollo's journey. A visually appealing Scandinavian holiday story designed for repeat visits.

School Library Journal (Sat Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2011)

K-Gr 3 A naughty little troll learns a lesson just in time for Christmas in this Scandinavian-flavored tale. Trolls, readers learn, only lose their tails when they are kind and helpful, and that does not describe wild child Rollo, who never helps out. In fact, he runs away from home looking for a family that won't require him to contribute. The owl and bear families don't work out, and as the year progresses toward winter and the weather gets colder, Rollo realizes he wants to be home, which is fortunately just down the mountain. One moose antler toboggan ride later, he meets up with his family, and his kind and helpful behavior on Christmas Eve results in a lost tail for this reformed character. The story isn't one of Brett's finest, but, as always, the charming illustrations are filled with wonderful detail. Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

Kirkus Reviews

The snowy Scandinavian setting used in Brett's previous stories about trolls is again the backdrop for this latest Christmas offering from the beloved and prolific illustrator. This time a little troll boy named Rollo learns a lesson about good behavior and helping others. Trolls have a tail until they show their maturity through their actions, and Rollo has little chance of losing his tail due to his consistently bad behavior. After he deposits the family pig on top of the roof, Rollo runs away from home looking for greener pastures. He tries living with owls, bears, otters, a lynx and moose, growing more homesick with each new environment before sliding back home on a moose-antler sled. His family has been sadly and faithfully waiting for his return, caring for his pet hedgehog and preparing his Christmas gifts. Their actions are illustrated in heart-shaped vignettes tucked into Brett's signature border designs, which in this offering are particularly effective, with a birch-bark texture and tiny surprise-filled pockets in the corners. As always, Brett's illustrations are filled with well-researched details in costumes, decorations and Christmas toys. The satisfying conclusion shows the troll family in their striped pajamas gathered around the fire, "all together, singing and telling stories far into the night." A cozy Christmas present for Brett's devoted fans. (author's note) (Picture book. 3-7)