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Tollins: Histórias Explosivas para Crianças
It's Peter Pan with attitude as Conn Iggulden, creator of the phenomenal bestseller The Dangerous Book for Boys, introduces an explosive and magical new fictional world. "Tollins are not fairies. Though they both have wings, fairies are delicate creatures and much smaller. Tollins are also a lot less fragile than fairies. In fact, the word 'fragile' can't really be used about them at all. They are about as fragile as a housebrick!" In these three tales, Conn Iggulden introduces the explosive, magical and adventurous world of the Tollins, all beautifully illustrated in full colour by Lizzy Duncan. Complete with thrilling stories of danger and derring-do, glorious drawings, maps and diagrams, this is more than a fantastic fiction debut for children -- it's also the definitive guide to these remarkable little flying creatures. Just don't ever call them fairies!
176 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2009
12 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Conn Iggulden
144 books6,033 followersAlso publishes under author name C.F. Iggulden.
I was born in the normal way in 1971, and vaguely remember half-pennies and sixpences. I have written for as long as I can remember: poetry, short stories and novels. It’s what I always wanted to do and read English at London University with writing in mind. I taught English for seven years and was Head of English at St. Gregory’s RC High School in London by the end of that period. I have enormous respect for those who still labour at the chalk-face. In truth, I can’t find it in me to miss the grind of paperwork and initiatives. I do miss the camaraderie of the smokers’ room, as well as the lessons where their faces lit up as they understood what I was wittering on about.
My mother is Irish and from an early age she told me history as an exciting series of stories – with dates. My great-grandfather was a Seannachie, so I suppose story-telling is in the genes somewhere. My father flew in Bomber Command in WWII, then taught maths and science. Perhaps crucially, he also loved poetry and cracking good tales. Though it seems a dated idea now, I began teaching when boys were told only girls were good at English, despite the great names that must spring to mind after that statement. My father loved working with wood and equations, but he also recited ‘Vitai Lampada’ with a gleam in his eye and that matters, frankly.
I’ve always loved historical fiction as a genre and cut my teeth on Hornblower and Tai-Pan, Flashman, Sharpe and Jack Aubrey. I still remember the sheer joy of reading my first Patrick O’Brian book and discovering there were nineteen more in the series. I love just about anything by David Gemmell, or Peter F. Hamilton or Wilbur Smith. I suppose the one thing that links all those is the love of a good tale.
That’s about it for the moment. If you’d like to get in touch with me leave a comment in the forum or you can tweet me @Conn_Iggulden. I’ll leave it there for the moment. If you’ve read my books, you know an awful lot about the way I think already. There’s no point overdoing it.
Conn Iggulden
I was born in the normal way in 1971, and vaguely remember half-pennies and sixpences. I have written for as long as I can remember: poetry, short stories and novels. It’s what I always wanted to do and read English at London University with writing in mind. I taught English for seven years and was Head of English at St. Gregory’s RC High School in London by the end of that period. I have enormous respect for those who still labour at the chalk-face. In truth, I can’t find it in me to miss the grind of paperwork and initiatives. I do miss the camaraderie of the smokers’ room, as well as the lessons where their faces lit up as they understood what I was wittering on about.
My mother is Irish and from an early age she told me history as an exciting series of stories – with dates. My great-grandfather was a Seannachie, so I suppose story-telling is in the genes somewhere. My father flew in Bomber Command in WWII, then taught maths and science. Perhaps crucially, he also loved poetry and cracking good tales. Though it seems a dated idea now, I began teaching when boys were told only girls were good at English, despite the great names that must spring to mind after that statement. My father loved working with wood and equations, but he also recited ‘Vitai Lampada’ with a gleam in his eye and that matters, frankly.
I’ve always loved historical fiction as a genre and cut my teeth on Hornblower and Tai-Pan, Flashman, Sharpe and Jack Aubrey. I still remember the sheer joy of reading my first Patrick O’Brian book and discovering there were nineteen more in the series. I love just about anything by David Gemmell, or Peter F. Hamilton or Wilbur Smith. I suppose the one thing that links all those is the love of a good tale.
That’s about it for the moment. If you’d like to get in touch with me leave a comment in the forum or you can tweet me @Conn_Iggulden. I’ll leave it there for the moment. If you’ve read my books, you know an awful lot about the way I think already. There’s no point overdoing it.
Conn Iggulden
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 30, 2014
Just didn't like it. It felt too full of in-jokes for adults.
June 2, 2012
Tollins look like fairies, but they're larger and much, much tougher. Which is a good thing, since humans quickly discover that adding Tollins to fireworks creates OOH! and AAH! worthy colors. Because they are sturdy and mostly fireproof, Tollins just wobble away looking smudged and bedraggled. All this leads up to a very sneaky lesson in how various compounds make different colors when ignited.
This book is chock full of lessons on air mass, pumps, hot air balloons, herbal medicine vs amputation, and more. I was particularly pleased to learn how serving roast beetle ensures plenty of leg for everyone.
Good eats!
A cute book for the kiddies with just enough dark humor to keep the adults from nodding off.
This book is chock full of lessons on air mass, pumps, hot air balloons, herbal medicine vs amputation, and more. I was particularly pleased to learn how serving roast beetle ensures plenty of leg for everyone.
Good eats!
A cute book for the kiddies with just enough dark humor to keep the adults from nodding off.
October 16, 2009
I am always on the lookout for books which will appeal to elementary-aged girls AND boys, and I believe TOLLINS is one.
There is enough eeeww-yukky-gross humor to satisfy everyone, without overdoing it, and plenty of tongue-in-cheek irony for parents as well.
I like the emphasis on curiosity, education, and alertness; after all, (without giving it all away), the plot really rests on all three.
On a side note: Thank you, Mr. Iggulden, for your treatment of fairies. As a librarian, I am nearly as tired of THEM as I am of VAMPIRES.
Absolutely PERFECT illustrations, Ms. Duncan!
And whoever decided on the cover looking the way it does: Excellent. Someone understands that kids like eye candy, too.
There is enough eeeww-yukky-gross humor to satisfy everyone, without overdoing it, and plenty of tongue-in-cheek irony for parents as well.
I like the emphasis on curiosity, education, and alertness; after all, (without giving it all away), the plot really rests on all three.
On a side note: Thank you, Mr. Iggulden, for your treatment of fairies. As a librarian, I am nearly as tired of THEM as I am of VAMPIRES.
Absolutely PERFECT illustrations, Ms. Duncan!
And whoever decided on the cover looking the way it does: Excellent. Someone understands that kids like eye candy, too.
March 6, 2010
This was enjoyable up until the last few chapters. In fact, I was seriously considering reading it to my 2nd graders. It's just subversive enough, without being too much so. The writing is adequate, although over-simplified. There are whole scenes missing, and many of the jokes remind me of movie dialog. Nevertheless, I like the world of the Tollins. It's a kind of Borrowers meets wunderkind-saves-the-world. The ending, though, totally ruined it for me. It became a moralist treatise on the importance of science leading the future and the stupid people who would try to stop it.
Ultimately, I think it's the kind of children's book that is created by and for adults who really don't know anything about children's books, and will therefore think it's either cute or subversive.
Ultimately, I think it's the kind of children's book that is created by and for adults who really don't know anything about children's books, and will therefore think it's either cute or subversive.
January 3, 2010
This. Book. Rocks. Don't even think about arguing against that statement. 5% romantic, 75% funny, 20% explosive, and 100% awesome.
August 27, 2021
Meh.
I was not whelmed by this book, not even a little bit.
There's too much missing, too much "taken as read" as if we already know what a Tollin is etc, too many self-conscious attempts to be "amusing" that will probably go over the heads of such children as would read this.
I suppose you could give it to kids who don't actually like to read much and don't do depth, character development or plots. Its one "redeeming" aspect is that it's a very short, quick read they can check off a reading list without really having to pay any attention.
The "best" part was the illustrations, which means if you only have the ebook you miss that too, I suppose. But even the pictures were basic beyond the call.
I see that the author has several adult novels to his credit, so apparently he does know how to develop a story, but he just phoned this one in, possibly for the money.
I was not whelmed by this book, not even a little bit.
There's too much missing, too much "taken as read" as if we already know what a Tollin is etc, too many self-conscious attempts to be "amusing" that will probably go over the heads of such children as would read this.
I suppose you could give it to kids who don't actually like to read much and don't do depth, character development or plots. Its one "redeeming" aspect is that it's a very short, quick read they can check off a reading list without really having to pay any attention.
The "best" part was the illustrations, which means if you only have the ebook you miss that too, I suppose. But even the pictures were basic beyond the call.
I see that the author has several adult novels to his credit, so apparently he does know how to develop a story, but he just phoned this one in, possibly for the money.
January 5, 2014
Tollins are not fairies. Though they both have wings, fairies are delicate creatures and much smaller....In addition, fairies cannot sing B-sharp....Tollins regard fairies as fluttery show-offs and occasionally use them to wipe out the insides of cups. Tollins are also a lot less fragile than fairies. In fact, the word "fragile" can't really be used about them at all. They are about as fragile as a housebrick.
So begins Tollins: Explosive Tales for Children. The book is divided into three stories: How to Blow Up Tollins, Sparkler and the Purple Death and Windbags and Dark Tollins. Each of these stories is in turn divided into chapters, making this an excellent read-aloud in classrooms or at home.
The main character is a Tollin named Sparkler who, due to being exploited by humans at a fireworks factory, becomes a scientist, determined to provide humans with an alternative to using Tollins as fireworks. Sparkler's stories are a unique mix of sweetness and tongue-in-cheek humor which will appeal to young children and adults alike.
Sparkler's ingenuity and determination are inspiring. Iggulden's ironic touches (particularly relating to the fairies, who are NOT treated well by the Tollins, who seem oblivious to this fact) and clever wordplay add a dimension to the stories that elevate them above a traditional children's story of fairy-like creatures. Lizzy Duncan's illustrations are quirky and an absolutely perfect complement to the theme and tone of the stories. The Tollins are depicted in purples and dark reds with a slightly old-fashioned quality and hysterically funny facial expressions.
There is much to be savored in Tollins. I thoroughly enjoyed my reading experience with these characters and their adventures and encourage anyone who enjoys a story for the sake of a good story and a good laugh to grab a copy!
May 12, 2018
I previously knew Conn Iggulden from his work, The Dangerous Book for Boys, soon to be an Amazon Original series. Since I rather enjoyed that book, I picked this one up on sight. I wasn't disappointed.
In collaboration with illustrator Lizzy Duncan, Iggulden has created a rather charming children's book that is a not-so-secretly a paean to science and the industrial revolution, in a very English way. I enjoy the dry, subtly sarcastic humor Iggulden uses to describe the Tollins, and their home of Chorleywood.
I opened up the book in the store and I read the opening paragraph:
And I immediately started snickering. Paging through the first chapter, I quickly found more bon mots like this. My kids wanted to know what was so funny, so I had to sit down and start reading it to my 6-year-old and 3-year-old. My 6-year-old especially loves this book. The mixture of humor, adventure, and romance is just right for him.
Lizzy Duncan's illustrations really make this book work. Her work is expressive and in perfect counterpoint to the text. I enjoyed Sparkler and Wing's joy, consternation, and determination written on their faces. And of course, the super pathetic Tollins in jars.
This is a fine work that I look forward to reading many, many times to my children. I'll probably pick up the sequels as well.
In collaboration with illustrator Lizzy Duncan, Iggulden has created a rather charming children's book that is a not-so-secretly a paean to science and the industrial revolution, in a very English way. I enjoy the dry, subtly sarcastic humor Iggulden uses to describe the Tollins, and their home of Chorleywood.
I opened up the book in the store and I read the opening paragraph:
Tollins, you see, are not fairies. Though they both have wings, fairies are delicate creatures and much smaller. When he was young, Sparkler accidentally broke one and had to shove it behind a bush before his friends noticed.
And I immediately started snickering. Paging through the first chapter, I quickly found more bon mots like this. My kids wanted to know what was so funny, so I had to sit down and start reading it to my 6-year-old and 3-year-old. My 6-year-old especially loves this book. The mixture of humor, adventure, and romance is just right for him.
Lizzy Duncan's illustrations really make this book work. Her work is expressive and in perfect counterpoint to the text. I enjoyed Sparkler and Wing's joy, consternation, and determination written on their faces. And of course, the super pathetic Tollins in jars.
This is a fine work that I look forward to reading many, many times to my children. I'll probably pick up the sequels as well.
November 1, 2009
I admit it --- I love subversive books for children. Struwwelpeter? Knew it from childhood when I teased my thumb sucking younger sister with one of the stories and fascinated myself with the others (especially the story of Paulinchen as I was terribly frightened of fire myself). Lemony Snicket? Great stuff. So I was quickly intrigued when I saw that Book I of Tollins was "How to Blow Up Tollins" and began, "Tollins are not fairies. Though they both have wings, fairies are delicate creatures and much smaller. When he was young, Sparkler accidentally broke one and had to shove it behind a bush before its friends noticed."
And may I say, this book is a total hoot! I see the influence of Douglas Adams, the Pythons, Terry Jones's Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book, Terry Pratchett, and probably much more. The book is silly, absurd, and just a lot of fun.
And may I say, this book is a total hoot! I see the influence of Douglas Adams, the Pythons, Terry Jones's Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book, Terry Pratchett, and probably much more. The book is silly, absurd, and just a lot of fun.
October 24, 2011
Iggulden has written a (very good) trilogy on Genghis Kahn and a (less good) series on Rome. This is an outrageous departure for him, resulting in a lovely, funny light read. I was given this for Christmas by my son and we both loved it - never give somebody a book that you do not wish to read yourself! The Tollins are a branch of the small folk who despise fairies. They also produce colour when they are used in fireworks. Internal politics and the need to survive human predation make this a joy to read. It should be up there in the pantheon of non-fairy stories just for its exuberance
July 24, 2014
A children's book that is far better than I expected with stereotype. I got it at Spring Fling's raffle baskets along with An Abundance of Katherines.
I read this one mainly for teaching reading to my friend from China. But unlike other short tales, I was drawn to this one, with colorful illustrations, imaginative plot, and great messages.
Each story is perfect for imitation; the endings are some clever cliffhangers.
There is nevertheless not much to learn from it except maybe the word persnickety, after all, it is a book for children, not adults.
I read this one mainly for teaching reading to my friend from China. But unlike other short tales, I was drawn to this one, with colorful illustrations, imaginative plot, and great messages.
Each story is perfect for imitation; the endings are some clever cliffhangers.
There is nevertheless not much to learn from it except maybe the word persnickety, after all, it is a book for children, not adults.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2015
This book was just OK, but the artwork earned it an extra star. The story was imaginative, but it was ruined by the forced and tired humor and the simplistic writing. I actually had to talk my five year old into letting me finish it, just to see if it got any better, because he was bored with the story. It's too bad, because it definitely had potential.
July 23, 2010
The best that I can say about this weak, derivative fantasy is that the publishers put a lot of money into its production so the inks are rich and colorful and the pages are of a pleasant weight.
September 26, 2025
Tollins: Thoughts and Ponderings
Tollins: Explosive Tales for Children – there are a fair number of explosions in this story. Ensure that your gunpowder is securely locked away.
The book starts with a very useful explanation. “Tollins are NOT fairies.” Yes, they both have wings – but whereas fairies are delicate, Tollins are both much larger – though only the size of a bumblebee – and much tougher. Tollins “are about as fragile as a housebrick.” It is good to get that cleared up.
Tollins are also not part of Tolkien’s worlds, and to date, we have discovered no links between Tollins and Hobbits, but we suspect that they may have had some commonality in inspiration at some point. After all, the author, Conn Iggulden, who shares these stories is a renowned historical researcher and sharing of tales from the past. Of course, he needs to fill in the gaps – all good story-tellers do – but he just happens to do it so very well.
Tollins were safe from Humans as adults couldn’t see them – not that they were invisible exactly. It is just that they weren’t looking. Kids, yes, from time to time. However, kids saw so many things that they quickly lost interest and moved on to other things. So Tollins could live around humans but not be part of human society. Until one Tollin got trapped, by accident, in a firework that was being tested.
Well, that was it. The bang was louder; the colors were brighter – so much brighter – that the human experimenters, sent off on the scientific method to discover why. Hence, the adults started looking, and the Tollins thought they were safe – but they were wrong. So very wrong.
You see, “Tollins have dust on them. Tollin dust. It’s a light powder on their wings and skin that drifts behind them as they fly.” And it seems to be the seemingly ‘magical’ property that makes the fireworks so special. Luckily for the Tollins they are tough enough to survive the explosion. That did not save their wings, nor their pride. Soon they were being captured and kept in a form of slavery. Unacceptable.
Well, we don’t want to give away the entire story, but let’s just say that things got adventurous. Tollins had to decide to break their prime rule of no contact with humans, or to remain enslaved. And whatever they decided there would-be consequences. The other two tales in this volume deal with those consequences.
Jealousy, envy, more problem solving, and more decisions – just the kind of training that young adults, of any age, need to learn. And if not from a Tollin, from whom?
Enjoy the read, and the spectacular art by Lizzy Duncan (Illustrator). They really are art, even the maps are delightful.
Lino Matteo ©™
Twitter @Lino_Matteo
P.S. I have ordered the next volume
#Books #BookReview #BusinessEnglish #Montreal #LinoMatteo #Tollins
Tollins: Explosive Tales for Children – there are a fair number of explosions in this story. Ensure that your gunpowder is securely locked away.
The book starts with a very useful explanation. “Tollins are NOT fairies.” Yes, they both have wings – but whereas fairies are delicate, Tollins are both much larger – though only the size of a bumblebee – and much tougher. Tollins “are about as fragile as a housebrick.” It is good to get that cleared up.
Tollins are also not part of Tolkien’s worlds, and to date, we have discovered no links between Tollins and Hobbits, but we suspect that they may have had some commonality in inspiration at some point. After all, the author, Conn Iggulden, who shares these stories is a renowned historical researcher and sharing of tales from the past. Of course, he needs to fill in the gaps – all good story-tellers do – but he just happens to do it so very well.
Tollins were safe from Humans as adults couldn’t see them – not that they were invisible exactly. It is just that they weren’t looking. Kids, yes, from time to time. However, kids saw so many things that they quickly lost interest and moved on to other things. So Tollins could live around humans but not be part of human society. Until one Tollin got trapped, by accident, in a firework that was being tested.
Well, that was it. The bang was louder; the colors were brighter – so much brighter – that the human experimenters, sent off on the scientific method to discover why. Hence, the adults started looking, and the Tollins thought they were safe – but they were wrong. So very wrong.
You see, “Tollins have dust on them. Tollin dust. It’s a light powder on their wings and skin that drifts behind them as they fly.” And it seems to be the seemingly ‘magical’ property that makes the fireworks so special. Luckily for the Tollins they are tough enough to survive the explosion. That did not save their wings, nor their pride. Soon they were being captured and kept in a form of slavery. Unacceptable.
Well, we don’t want to give away the entire story, but let’s just say that things got adventurous. Tollins had to decide to break their prime rule of no contact with humans, or to remain enslaved. And whatever they decided there would-be consequences. The other two tales in this volume deal with those consequences.
Jealousy, envy, more problem solving, and more decisions – just the kind of training that young adults, of any age, need to learn. And if not from a Tollin, from whom?
Enjoy the read, and the spectacular art by Lizzy Duncan (Illustrator). They really are art, even the maps are delightful.
Lino Matteo ©™
Twitter @Lino_Matteo
P.S. I have ordered the next volume
#Books #BookReview #BusinessEnglish #Montreal #LinoMatteo #Tollins
April 24, 2021
Tollins are small winged creature. A little larger than a fairy, but much less fragile. They live in the bottom of people’s garden and can not be seen by people, unless those people are wearing special blue glasses. Iggulden introduces readers to the Tollins in three stories, each divided into short chapters. In “How to Blow Up Tollins”, the Tollins find themselves being stuffing inside fireworks and blasted off into the night. Although this doesn’t cause permanent damage to the Tollins it is not fun and it is up to our young hero, Sparkler, to find a way out of their dilemma. In “Sparkler and the Purple Death” Sparkler must enlist the help of his friend Grunion to help the High Tollin and avoid execution. In the final story, “Windbags and Dark Tollins”, Sparkler and friends must outwit the Dark Tollins who have taken over their small community. Iggulden’s imaginary world will captivate readers and draw them into the story. Duncan’s full page watercolored maps and colorful character sprinkled throughout the text add further depth to the creation of this other world.
February 14, 2018
I had never read about Tollins until this book! Very funny and with a streak of the scientific mind, the only less positive thing I found in it, was it´s lack of compassion for the poor fairies!
Maria Carmo,
Lisbon, 14 February 2018.
Maria Carmo,
Lisbon, 14 February 2018.
January 8, 2019
This was unbelievably terrible. 6 year old wanted to finish it out but I would have stopped 25 pages in. Confusing, boring, and not at all humorous. The title gave me high hopes but Tollins: Explosive Tales for Children was an epic fail. Boo.
March 23, 2020
Read to my 6 year old. It was a good book, but took us 6 months to read, so it definitely wasn't our favorite. Nothing about it specifically, just didn't call to us as some of his others had. Cute story about a tiny mystical species.
January 4, 2021
While at my partner's family home, saw this book on the coffee table.
Started reading it, and was told to take it, and bring it back whenever I wanted.
Suppose to be a children's book, but big kids will enjoy it as well.
Started reading it, and was told to take it, and bring it back whenever I wanted.
Suppose to be a children's book, but big kids will enjoy it as well.
October 17, 2018
Underbara småberättelser om "Tollins" liv Klart rekommenderad om man vill slå ihjäl knappa 2 timmar
January 8, 2019
An excellent first chapter book for early readers.
February 24, 2020
I liked this book and if there are any more books in the trilogy, I wish to read them.
February 3, 2023
3-. First story was nice, the rest quite boring
May 5, 2013
Dies ist die Geschichte von Sparkler. Er ist ein Tollins. Klein, zäh und mit Flügelchen, die ihn und sein Volk den Feen sehr ähnlich macht. Doch Vorsicht - Kein Tollin möchte mit einer Fee verwechselt werden. Feen sind zum Ärgern da und das machen Tollins ganz besonders gerne.
Ein niedliches Kinderbuch über das Leben der Tollins und die Abenteuer, die sie zu bestehen haben. In spannende Geschichten eingewoben, wird Kindern die Freude am Experimentieren vermittelt. Wie kommt die Farbe ins Feuerwerk, ohne das man einen Tollin mit explodieren lässt? Wie kann man mit Pflanzen Krankheiten heilen, eine Pumpe bauen und ist Luft schwer oder leicht? Sparkler muss das oberste Gebot mit Menschen zu sprechen übertreten, um sein Volk zu retten. Er ist ein mutiger kleiner Wissenschaftler, der seine jungen Leser durch sein Tun dazu ermuntert, sich nicht mit vorhandenem Wissen abzufinden, sondern eigene Wege zu entdecken und so selbstverständliche Dinge, wie die Luft näher zu erforschen. Die Ideen, mit denen der Autor die Geschichte belebt hat sind niedlich und kreativ. Man sollte Kindern aber sehr deutlich erklären, dass das Ausprobieren von Pflanzen zu Heilungszwecken auch schnell in eine andere Richtung losgehen kann und Herbstzeitlose nicht einfach in Muttis Tee gegeben werden sollten, wenn deren Fuß schmerzt.
Das Buch ist durchgehend farbig illustriert. Anfangs mochte ich die Abbildungen der Tollins nicht besonders gern, aber beim Lesen der Geschichte entwickelten die Illustrationen für mich ihren eigenen Charme und nun finde ich sehr passend.
Empfehlen kann ich das Buch allen Kindern, die gerne selber etwas ausprobieren oder wenn man den Forschungsdrang anregen möchte. Sparkler und seine Freunde werden Jungen und Mädchen sicherlich viel Freude beim Lesen bereiten.
Ein niedliches Kinderbuch über das Leben der Tollins und die Abenteuer, die sie zu bestehen haben. In spannende Geschichten eingewoben, wird Kindern die Freude am Experimentieren vermittelt. Wie kommt die Farbe ins Feuerwerk, ohne das man einen Tollin mit explodieren lässt? Wie kann man mit Pflanzen Krankheiten heilen, eine Pumpe bauen und ist Luft schwer oder leicht? Sparkler muss das oberste Gebot mit Menschen zu sprechen übertreten, um sein Volk zu retten. Er ist ein mutiger kleiner Wissenschaftler, der seine jungen Leser durch sein Tun dazu ermuntert, sich nicht mit vorhandenem Wissen abzufinden, sondern eigene Wege zu entdecken und so selbstverständliche Dinge, wie die Luft näher zu erforschen. Die Ideen, mit denen der Autor die Geschichte belebt hat sind niedlich und kreativ. Man sollte Kindern aber sehr deutlich erklären, dass das Ausprobieren von Pflanzen zu Heilungszwecken auch schnell in eine andere Richtung losgehen kann und Herbstzeitlose nicht einfach in Muttis Tee gegeben werden sollten, wenn deren Fuß schmerzt.
Das Buch ist durchgehend farbig illustriert. Anfangs mochte ich die Abbildungen der Tollins nicht besonders gern, aber beim Lesen der Geschichte entwickelten die Illustrationen für mich ihren eigenen Charme und nun finde ich sehr passend.
Empfehlen kann ich das Buch allen Kindern, die gerne selber etwas ausprobieren oder wenn man den Forschungsdrang anregen möchte. Sparkler und seine Freunde werden Jungen und Mädchen sicherlich viel Freude beim Lesen bereiten.
September 8, 2011
Tollins are sturdy magical creatures, similar to fairies but tough as house bricks, that live in gardens, unseen by adult humans. There are three short stories in this book, each building on the story of Sparkler, a Tollin who has the audacity to learn about the human world to improve his own. Cute and imaginative, I highly recommend for late elementary readers. Lots of dry humor, so I don't think early elementary would "get" it.
Here's a quote that nicely demonstrates the tone of this book-
"Some of the young Tillets were trying to make fairy-powered roller skates, but the fairies kept getting squashed. Later, when Sparkler looked back on those innocent days, with the little piles of flat fairies, it mad him sad. It had been a happy time."
Here's a quote that nicely demonstrates the tone of this book-
"Some of the young Tillets were trying to make fairy-powered roller skates, but the fairies kept getting squashed. Later, when Sparkler looked back on those innocent days, with the little piles of flat fairies, it mad him sad. It had been a happy time."
September 9, 2012
Very entertaining read. On the surface, it's just a series of funny stories about Tolllins, which are small winged people, smaller than humans but larger than fairies. There are some laugh-out-loud lines like, "My father always said that sudden death teaches people a very valuable lesson." But underneath, there are valuable life lessons in racial prejudice, slavery and respect. Plus--science lessons! There's probably never before been a book published that includes the phrases "fairies," "gout," and "strontium carbonate."
November 30, 2015
"Tollins are not fairies. Though they both have wings, fairies are delicate creatures and much smaller. Tollins are also a lot less fragile than fairies."
Had I not read this book I would have never known that Tollins are NOT fairies, Why they look the same to me! Tollins is a wonderful chapter book. A great read for bedtime. It is filled with magic and mischief. Tollins have a problem and it is up to one special Tollin to save the day. That Tollin is Sparkler!
Had I not read this book I would have never known that Tollins are NOT fairies, Why they look the same to me! Tollins is a wonderful chapter book. A great read for bedtime. It is filled with magic and mischief. Tollins have a problem and it is up to one special Tollin to save the day. That Tollin is Sparkler!
December 31, 2009
A fireworks factory in a British hamlet. Tiny creatures who look like humans with wings used as fodder for the fireworks. A hero who uses applied science to save the day. Stunning and very funny. A metaphor, too, for child labor during the Industrial Revolution.
Ostensibly a children's book, but really for everyone -- cf. "The Hobbit."
March 28, 2010
Iggulden, author of wonderful historical novels, here tells the story of small winged creatures who are larger than fairies and live in gardens. When they are discovered and exploited by humans, they must solve their problems and take charge of their lives. The drawing add to the pleasure of the slight, entertaining story.
April 14, 2011
I have to thank my friend Alex for lending me her book.
I loved this book. I thought it was genius. One of those books I wish I would've thought of. It is quirky and funny and I absorbed every minute. It took a while to read it with my girl, but it is one of my favorites I have read this year.
I loved this book. I thought it was genius. One of those books I wish I would've thought of. It is quirky and funny and I absorbed every minute. It took a while to read it with my girl, but it is one of my favorites I have read this year.
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