Seven Ways to Trick a Troll by Lise Lunge-Larsen illustrated by Kari Vick

 Ms. Larsen explains that according to the ancient Norse story,  our world was created from the enormous frost giant, Ymir, the father of all trolls. Even though trolls are extinct, she claims that you can find parts of them in creation. The bulk of the book is dedicated in sharing how one can trick a troll through old Nordic tales retellings. 

Kids will love hearing these short, clever stories. My oldest son would have loved this book as a preschooler/early elementary student!

Considerations/discussions: How was the world truly created, Did trolls ever exist?

-Borrowed from the library.

The Singing Ringing Tree retold by Selina Hastings illustrated by Louise Brierley

 A Princess, spoiled by her doting father, thinks only of herself and demands that her every desire be fulfilled. Men look at her and fall immediately in love with her. She views no one worthy of herself, of course! One day a Prince proposes to her and lays a casket of pearls at her feet. She overturns the casket, causing pearls to spill all over the floor. The only way she will marry this Prince is if he brings her the Singing Ringing Tree. He travels many miles and discovers the tree. An ugly Dwarf guards the tree. He allows the Prince to take the tree. But if the Princess refuses to marry him, they must return to him under his power and in whatever form he selects. The Princess refuses. . . .

I did not enjoy the style of  the illustrations. 

This legend has its roots in Germany & Slavic folk and fairy tales.

-Borrowed via ILL.

Tales from Maple Ridge #4 The Ghost of Juniper Creek by Grace Gilmore illustrated by Petra Brown

 After skipping stones across Juniper Creek with his sister Tess and best friend Anthony, Logan calls his dog Skeeter to come home as the sun sets. Skeeter, however, remains in the dark woods. The three children enter it to convince Skeeter to obey. He is sitting at the base of a tree and peering upwards. A flash of white at the treetops causes the leaves to shake. Instantly, whatever it was disappears. The children think it is a ghost. Over the next couple of days the children hear about the ghost legend of Juniper Creek. Logan decides to create and to set a ghost trap. 

A second storyline is included. An astute thinker will perceive quickly how these two storylines mesh.

I think the illustrations in this series are adorable. This book's ending is humorous.

Consideration: ghosts  The conclusion is that they are not real.

-Borrowed from the library.

Tales from Maple Ridge #3 The Big City

 When Logan's father travels to the city of Sherman, Logan is chosen to come along and spend the day with his cousins. Initially, he is enamoured with the city's energy and sights. However, as the day progresses, he realizes the rural life might be better.

A great chapter book for transitional readers who are developing stamina for chapter books

Consideration: one of the characters says "gosh"

-Borrowed from the library.

Finn MacCoul and His Fearless Wife A Giant Tale of a Tale from Ireland by Robert Byrd

 I own Tomie dePaola's version of this legend. 

The giant Finn MacCoul lives with his wife Oonagh on Knockmany Hill. As a chieftan of the Fianna, the Irish people respect him. While building a bridge to Scotland, Finn encounters a fierce Scots giant, Cucullin. Cucullin's plan is to "make paste of" Finn. Thankfully, Oonagh creates a clever plan to subdue Cucullin.

I love the big vibrant the illustrations.  

Read also Fin M'Coul: The Giant of Knockmany Hill by Tomie dePaola to compare. 

Consideration: Fairies and magic are the source of strength and aid in this story.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Library in the Woods by Calvin Alexander Ramsey illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

 Junior and his family sell their farm after a devastating flood to live in the city where more reliable jobs are available. As Junior adjusts to city life, his new friends introduce him to a library in the woods where Blacks are welcome. 

A great book to share with kids while studying the segregated South in the 1950s & 1960s.

This fictional story is based on a real library in Roxboro, NC,  that the author frequented during his childhood. I found the author's note especially interesting.

Discussion: segregation, illiteracy

-Borrowed from the library.

Tales from Maple Ridge No. 2 The Lucky Wheel by Grace Gilmore illustrated by Petra Brown

 Logan's teacher of Maple Ridge's one-room schoolhouse asks each student to contribute to the building fund so they can repair many issues that are popping up. Unfortunately, Logan lies to his family by saying he is going to contribute from the money he has saved in his piggy bank. He has no money. So when he finds a broken wheel along the road, he decides to repair it to sell it and give the money to the school. Eventually he confesses to his father that he had lied.

This book is perfect for new readers who are transitioning into chapter books & building stamina. Plenty of illustrations per page. I like that it features a boy main character within the historical fiction genre. So many historical fiction books for kids feature girls.

Considerations: Logan lies. But his father reprimands him. Lying is not condoned. Readers see the consequences of this sin through Logan. Throughout the book the word "lucky" is mentioned. "lucky wheel", "lucky day". Logan seems to think luck is what brings good events into his life.

Part of a series-more reviews of the other books forthcoming.

-Borrowed from the library.