A troll story

From Publishers Weekly Lewis is a boy with a very special talent: he can turn himself into a troll whenever he likes. As a troll, he stands nine feet, seven-and-a-half inches--and is bright green. He even has a troll name: Nil Digrot. Knowing that his family would not approve of his troll persona, Lewis obligingly waits until night time, when everyone else is asleep, to transform himself. But Lewis often thinks about being a troll during the daytime, at particularly trying moments. When his teacher asks him an impossible question, Lewis imagines himself as Nil Digrot, terrifying her. When a bully pushes him he imagines himself as a troll, dunking the mean boy through a basketball hoop. Kids will love seeing Lewis's imagination at work, and will probably envy his nocturnal playmates--the other trolls who come to frolic in his backyard when his parents are asleep. Heller's illustrations are filled with vivid colors, and bring Lewis's imagination to life. Ages 4-up. Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. From School Library Journal PreSchool-Grade 2-- Lewis can turn himself into a huge green troll. But even though he resembles The Hulk while in his troll state, Lewis is in complete control of his ability and shows admirable restraint in using his powers. He only changes at night, when he can be helpful by rescuing a treed cat or frightening away burglars, although he is often sorely tempted to transform in front of the neighborhood bully, his pesky sister, or his demanding teacher. The small child's wish for power in dealing with adults and difficult situations is simply related while moderation in the use of strength is stressed. The satisfying theme is arrestingly illustrated in black pen and blazingly bright, three-quarter page watercolors. The characters, arrayed in a profusion of dots, stripes, checks, stars, and florals, are done in a flat cartoon style with simple, yet expressive features. Along with a few background details, they are dynamically displayed on generous expanses of white to accentuate the design and color. The trolls are both horrific and appealing, just as a child would imagine them. Altogether, an effective and amusing presentation. --Patricia Pearl, First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, VACopyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.