Peter and the Troll Baby

by Jan Wahl

Sorry that he wished the trolls would take away his baby sister, Peter is determined to rescue her and return her safely home

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

26 pages, Hardcover

First published July 15, 1984

About the author

Jan Wahl was an American author best known for his imaginative and influential children’s books, which combined wit, warmth and a deep respect for young readers. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Wahl showed artistic promise early, performing piano on children’s radio programs and appearing on stage alongside legendary magician Harry Blackstone Sr. He studied at Cornell University, where he took classes with Vladimir Nabokov, and continued his education in Europe as a Fulbright scholar before completing graduate studies in the United States.
Wahl began publishing children’s books in the mid-1960s and quickly became a prolific and celebrated voice in the field, ultimately writing more than 120 works. Titles such as Pleasant Fieldmouse, The Furious Flycycle and Humphrey’s Bear earned him a devoted readership and critical acclaim. His stories were frequently illustrated by major artists, including Edward Gorey, Maurice Sendak and Mercer Mayer, and were praised for their playful tone, emotional intelligence and sense of empowerment.
Beyond writing, Wahl led an unusually rich cultural life, working with filmmakers, writers and artists, lecturing widely on film history and literature, and maintaining close ties to both the literary and cinematic worlds.

Reviews

[Andrea]

My parents got this for me when Allegra was a baby. It took them ages to convince me that Allegra wasn't a troll baby after I read it.

[Allegra]

hehe i only think of andrea when i think of this book

[Capn]

Oh a good one! Free to borrow from OpenLibrary. :) Peter is upset that his parents are taking his baby sister along on holiday with them (up a northern fjord by steamship), and wishes/allows her to be taken by the they-really-do-exist Trolls! In her place the next morning is a cantankerous changeling child, and Peter resolves to get his real baby sister back.

I love the ending... which casts some doubt on the child's true nature but mostly reflects Peter's ambivalence towards crying infants. XD

Lovely illustrations - especially the troll's baby toss...

[Cheryl]

Sorry. With these two talents behind this, I wanted something special. But I've been spoiled by Jim Henson's movie Labyrinth, and Outside Over There.

[Mellanie C]

The story is a bit simple, but a fun read.

[Dehlia]

I found this a little scary. Should I be concerned that it was one of my husband's favorites? I must wonder if he is Peter or the troll baby...his little sister seems too sweet. My eldest enjoyed the story -- probably because she has a red-faced baby sister to watch over!