The Happy Troll

by Max Bolliger, Peter Sís (Illustrator), Nina Ignatowicz (Translator)

Trolls from far and wide came to hear Gus sing.
His singing made them happy.

The tale of a troll who learns the hard way that riches don't bring happiness

In exchange for Gus's songs, the trolls brought him crunchy nuts and juicy berries. As a special treat they brought him a shiny pebble from the bottom of the brook. Gus was happy. Then one day he saw a gold ring on the toe of a raven. Owning that ring, Gus decided, was the only thing that would make his happiness complete.

New illustrations and a new jacket by Peter Sís illuminate Max Bolliger's timeless classic tale.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

Swiss writer and children's book author.

Reviews

[Shala Howell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another one where the story is fine, the pictures are fine, but I wouldn't want to read it over and over. Grab this one from the library as well.

[Josie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Happy Troll by Max Bolliger tells the story of a greedy troll that believed money would buy him happiness. The purpose of this book is to teach is that possessions can't buy happiness. The cycle of buying nice things and having money will never end, one will just want to keep accumulating more and more things. I feel like this message would really relate to the students on a personal level. This will then shift there mind set to not place value in objects that are ever changing but in something that everlasting. The age group that this book would work well with is first through fourth. The passages are a little longer however the vocabulary is average. I enjoyed the Peter Sis illustrations, he used water color as well as color pencil to give the characters and backdrop more detail.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

As noted by the Book Blurber here on Goodreads:

"The tale of a troll who learns the hard way that riches don't bring happiness."

I thought that, by definition, trolls weren't supposed to be nice. However, Gus the troll has a beautiful voice. When he sings, he brings joy to his listener.

As if that weren't weird enough, get this: The narrator still describes Gus as an "ordinary troll." Which is to be? He has an extraordinary voice or is he ordinary?

If somehow you buy into the story, don't be too stunned if you find a happy ending, replete with sweetness and light. Once again, the kind of contradiction that makes me wonder why Gus's story is based on his being a troll.

What can I say?

FIVE STARS for readers who like to have it both ways with their fiction.

[The Brothers · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little stroll has a beautiful singing voice and will gladly sing for any of the other trolls. In return for his songs, they bring him what he needs. But one day a raven comes along and wants to hear the troll sing. The troll, for the first time, demands payment - the raven's gold ring. The raven complies and so a downward spiral begins for the little troll. Soon his greed causes him to loose his songs and he sets out to return all his demanded payments.

Illustrations are ok.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agreed with the other reviewer who said that at first this book doesn't seem like it will be memorable, but then it deepens and surprises you. It actually kind of reminded me of the story arc of the "Behind the Music" documentaries, of all things.

[Viviana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faces r a lil creepy, but other than that, I really like the art!
Art 5 stars..4.8

[Cori Thonen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enchanting little book about how things will never make us truly happy; they just make us want more and never satisfaction.

[Austyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

2nd Annual Translated Children's Book Month : Book 13/30

[jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love children's books and the profound truths which can be found in them. For example, in this book in particular, the pages gently remind the reader the importance of contentment and gratitude. Beautiful, beautiful story. Truly no one is "too old" for stories such as these.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a rather lovely, gentle book. It doesn't strike you at first as being all that special, but the story has a way of staying with you. The lovely, gentle illustrations suit the story perfectly.

[Gina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Peter Sis is my all-time favorite illustrator, but I did not love this book.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story about what's really important in life.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty deep message there that I needed to hear. Amazing how picture books can do that :)