Children's Troll Books
The Children's Troll Books
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Background
These delightful picture books feature very human characters that have adventures and experiences children can identify with. They feature a friendly Scandinavian troll Olaf, who lives in the troll capital of the southern hemisphere, Norsewood. The books have featured twice on television and are popular around New Zealand and overseas.
The Lonely Troll
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This books first print sold out in weeks and introduces Olaf as a lonely but friendly troll. Trolls are the children of nature unkempt and weather beaten. Every troll has a tail that looks like that of an animal. Olaf meets a friend in a little girl called Tui. An Auckland teacher uses this book to start the school year to create a class climate where everyone has a sense of belonging. The theme of the story: it doesn’t matter what you look like, you can still be a friend. |
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The Troll's New Jersey
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One of the central characters Tui, is helping Olaf . This effort also involves the assistance of the internationally recognised and local knitwear factory Norsewear. This story illustrates significant and actual locations around the Norsewood village. The cover of the book features the two main characters and also the image of a student who impressed the author and illustrator with her questions during a classroom visit. The theme of the story is: a trouble shared is a trouble halved.
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The Troll and the Taniwha
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This story is about a school holiday pastime common to many New Zealand children – spending time in a local creek. A taniwha persuades Olaf that learning to swim is important. Local kaumatua from the community were involved to ensure the taniwha form and behaviour were appropriate. The book is an effort to celebrate aspects of both Scandinavian and Maori culture. The theme of this story is; don’t assume because a person is disabled they can’t do something. Everyone should learn to swim.
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The Troll and the Huia
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A portion of the proceeds of this book goes to Pukaha Mount Bruce forst restoration project (see links page).
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Reviews of the Books
These three illustrated books link aspects of Scandinavian , New Zealand and Maori Culture by bringing together the idea of a troll living in the New Zealand town of Norsewood, which was settled by Scandinavian people in 1872 and the Taniwha which has its origins in Maori Legends.
Each story is complete in itself , but all three of them reflect the development of the maori character , Olaf the troll, from one who is lonely and insecure to one who is able to make friends and take pride in his own achievements."
The Journal of the Children's Book Council of Australia Vol.44 No1. Feb. 2000
" this is more that just a moving little story. It embodies some truths which are very important to all of us --some of which are especially dear to those of us with disabilities. But I am not going to spoil it for you by telling you what these are. To find out, you will need to buy this book for your children , grandchildren, nieces and nephews, your friend's children --or the kids down the street--and read it for yourselves."
(The Lonely Troll) Disinformation (Palmerston North) July 1997.
The Author
Lyn McConchie is from Norsewood, who writes in a range of genres: science fiction, fantasy, horror, humour, and mystery. Lyn became a professional writer in 1991. She has had a vast number of short stories published in at least six countries. Several books are being translated and republished in other languages. One of her books was in the top 10 fantasy books written for teenages in 1995. She has won numerous awards including NZ’s Sir Julius Vogel Best SF/F novel 2002. Australian SF Foundation’s Best Short Fiction and amongst others the (International) Cat Writers Award - winning five times.
The Illustrator
Judith belongs to the Dannevirke Art Society and exhibits locally. She enjoys doing caricatures, portraits, vehicles, and animals and uses a variety of mediums including acrylic, pen work and watercolour. Born and bred locally Judith is married with one daughter and cat
Curriculum Suggestions for Teachers
Social Studies Planner
TOPIC: Early days in Dannevirke
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LEVEL:1 |
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SS STRANDS:
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SS SETTINGS:
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SS PROCESSES:
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ACHIEVEMENT OBJECTIVES: TCC:*ways in which time and change affect people. |
ASSESSMENT STRATEGY: Knowledge: What is the same about these two pictures (haka and Scandinavia dance) Process: Ask a who, when, where, what or why question about any two of these five pictures |
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SPECIFIC LEARNING OUTCOMES: TCC: * to develop a feeling for some aspects of early Dannevirke |
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA: Knowledge:
Process:
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PROCESSES: Inquiry To collect and record information using digital camera, and making visits. Values explain reasons why people hold particular values positions i.e.: appreciation of culture and heritage.. |
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ESSENTIAL SKILLS : |
RESOURCES: Gallery of History, Norsewood Museum. Norsewood School. early NZ picture resource (Leyland). Teacher made digital photo and scanned laminated picture resources. |
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TEACHING & LEARNING ACTIVITIES: (*Assessment Tasks)
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Here are some ideas on how to link the troll books with curriculum products |
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Artistic Troll Products |
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Performance Products |
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Visual Troll Products |
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Troll Models & Construction |
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Leadership Products |
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Written Troll Ideas |
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Feedback
If you have any feedback or suggestions regarding these books please contact Mike or Lee-Anne Stone at info@stonepress