The Little Troll

by Tor Åge Bringsværd

Hardcover children's picturebook.

Genres: Childrens, Fantasy, Picture Books

40 pages, Hardcover

First published December 31, 1998

About the author

Tor Åge Bringsværd was an author, playwright, editor, and translator and is perhaps best known for his speculative fiction. Together with long-time partner Jon Bing, he was also considered the first Norwegian author to write science fiction literature. Bringsværd regarded himself as an anarchist, which is clearly reflected in some of his works. He is also known for his distinctive style of writing, for example, his seemingly random jumps to narratives or anecdotes with no clear relationship to the main story.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little Troll questions the prohibition on trolls going out in the sunshine in this Norwegian picture-book from author Tor Åge Bringsværd and illustrator Ingerlise Karlsen Kongsgaard. Joined by three animal friends - a moose calf, a bear cub, and a little fox - he journeys far and wide, asking a series of troll elders why their kind cannot go out during the daytime. None can give him an explanation, replying that it is simply how things have always been, something Little Troll finds deeply unfair. When he finally finds someone with an answer - an ancient troll so slow-moving that he is mistaken for a hill - Little Troll isn't sure what to think. Can it be true that it was only in ancient times, when trolls were Hoarfrost Gnomes and Ice Giants, that sunshine was harmful to them? Kinder and gentler now, can trolls truly go out into the daylight? Little Troll finds out when one of his animal friends is in danger, and he must come to the rescue...

Originally published in Norwegian as Lilletrollet, The Little Troll was translated into English and published by the Oslo-based N.W. Damm & Son. I'm not sure how widely available it was, here in the states, but I obtained a copy through inter-library loan. Appropriately enough, it came from St. Olaf College in Minnesota - an institution founded by Norwegian immigrants to the United States. No doubt they keep an extensive collection of Norwegian cultural items. In any case, I thought that this was a sweet little book, one which draws upon traditional folklore to spin an original tale. I chuckled at the reference to the story of The Three Billy Goats Gruff , and found the idea behind Little Troll's quest - that sunlight is anethma to trolls - quite fascinating. One sees this idea in Tolkien as well, of course. The artwork wasn't quite to my taste - a little too cute, really - although I think it will probably have a lot of child appeal. Recommended to young folk and fairy-tale lovers, although would-be readers should be aware that this one is text-heavy, for a picture-book.

[Chantal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the drawings in this book and the story. Cute little troll that goes on a big adventure to find some answers. Great read!

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ein wunderbares Kinderbuch, dass in der Sagenwelt des Nordens spielt. Sehr lesenswert und vor allem auch vorlesenswert.

[Judith Blaauw-Klaver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vandaag dit boek voorgelezen voor mijn nichtje van 4. Ze luisterde ademloos. Best knap, want er zit erg veel tekst in. Het verhaal is leuk, maar had met veel minder zinnen gekund en was dan naar mijn mening krachtiger geweest. Maar toch, we hebben allebei van het voorlezen en van de mooie tekeningen genoten.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was VERY VERY VERY long. It’s about a troll who want to know why they can not go outside in the daylight. He goes on a grand adventure meeting various trolls from fairytales and fables in search of his answer. The illustrations scream 80’s, but are so well done, and so vibrant for a muted palette. An interesting book for an adult, but probably a snooze for most modern kids.

[Bruno Darío · Rating 4 out of 5]

enamorado de las ilustraciones <3

[Kirsten Krechel]

I read this in Norwegian! 🇳🇴

[Lauren Vavasour · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a lovely reminder of nice childhood memories

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heerlijk kinderboek, met prachtige tekeningen.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

2011 4 stars
In some ways similar to Rolf Lidberg's work, but I prefer Lidberg. That may be because I've collected postcards of Lidberg's art for several years. In this book, there are 15 single-page prints and 3 that are double-page. This story mentions the three billy goats gruff, which makes me wonder if that tale has Scandinavian origins. Troll stories usually have a strong connection with nature, and this is no exception. Kids may be enthralled by the odd appearance, and somewhat scary, trolls.

"The only thing dangerous out there is people," says the old troll. "You must watch out for them." That's what I generally tell the kids when we're out in the forests. And that's a sad commentary on the human species.

2025
Too much. The story went on and on and the writing is 'flat' -- which may be because it's a translation. I've never taken this off the shelf to read to the kids. I wonder if they would have liked it?

[Andreas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Der kleine Troll möchte wissen, warum Trolle nicht ins Sonnenlicht dürfen und gibt sich mit der Antwort "Das ist schon immer so gewesen" nicht zufrieden. Auf seiner Reise trifft er einige sehr eigenartige Artgenossen und muss sich schließlich entscheiden, wie weit er gehen will. Die Geschichte wird von großformatigen Bildern illustriert.

Ein wunderschönes Kinderbuch, das mir und den Kindern im Hort sehr gut gefallen hat. Zum Vorlesen ab 5 Jahre geeignet, selbst lesen ab ca. 9 Jahre.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful children's book about trolls. Really enjoyed reading this to a class of first graders they loved it!!

[Yi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story and beautiful illustrations! I was definitely enchanted.

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful tale about questioning fear and the why of what we do. Well paced with truly stunning illustrations, a pleasure for all ages.