The Three Billy Goats Gruff

by Peter Christen Asbjørnsen, Marcia Brown (Adaptor, Illustrator), Jørgen Moe

A favorite with storytellers because of the rich, descriptive language of the retelling, this is a reissue of the classic edition of the famous Scandinavian tale. Marcia Brown’s stylized illustrations capture the personalities of the clever goats and the horrible troll, making this book a feast for the eyes as well as the ears.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fairy Tales, Animals, Fiction, Classics, Folklore

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1841

About the author

Peter Christen Asbjørnsen was a Norwegian writer and scholar. He and Jørgen Engebretsen Moe were collectors of Norwegian folklore. They were so closely united in their lives' work that their folk tale collections are commonly mentioned only as "Asbjørnsen and Moe".

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Three Billy Goats Gruff, illustrated by Marcia Brown.

Three-time Caldecott medalist Marcia Brown, who was particularly known for her folkloric retellings, turns in this picture-book to the traditional Norwegian tale of the Three Billy Goats Gruff. On their way to mountain pastures in order to fatten up, the eponymous caprine siblings trip over a wooden bridge, one by one, each threatened by the fearsome troll living under the bridge, who wishes to eat them up. The two younger escape by promising a better meal, in the next Billy Goat Gruff, but the eldest makes good use of his horns, and finishes the troll off...

Originally published in 1841 as De tre bukkene Bruse, as part of Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Engebretsen Moe's Norske folkeeventyr (Norwegian Folktales), this classic story was first translated into English in 1859 by George Webbe Dasent, as part of his Popular Tales from the Norse . Since that time it has become a beloved story in the Anglophone world, and there are countless retellings of it. This presentation of the tale uses the Dasent translation, pairing it with Brown's artwork. Although I don't have a strong attachment to this particular story - it wasn't one of my childhood favorites - I do enjoy it, and am always curious to see how different artists interpret the troll. Brown's troll is an interesting one, with a deep brown hue that matches the nearby trees, a long nose and long fingers, and jagged teeth. He manages to stand out, while also seeming like a natural extension of the woodland around him.

All in all, an enjoyable retelling of this well-known tale, one I would recommend to young folklore enthusiasts, and to fans of Marcia Brown's artwork.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

How many times have you heard the tale of the Three Billy Goats Gruff? If you are like me then you have heard it almost a million times without much further details then the basic.

In the majority of tellings you are given the most barebone facts of the story - once upon a time in an undefined location and with three goats. In this 1954 version, though, the author chose to give the reader more in-depth information about the story, which is something I love. The story keeps to the three billy goats - one adult billy, one young billy who has just grown his horns out to adult length but not width nor has grown a beard and one goat who apparently has been just weaned although hasn't grown any horns yet or as they say he's almost new.

At the same time the same amount of details is also given to the troll. To show how crotchety he is about anyone crossing his bridge they show a fox with a most startled look as he attempts to cross the bridge. Meanwhile the troll has a large nose, a lightly green colored beard and also lederhosen, which means this particular version takes place in Germany. And he has an actual small shack or cabin underneath the bridge with a stovepipe chimney.

The illustrations are okay for the most part as they keep to the colorful palette for children but at a more subdued level than most modern illustrations. At the same time the portrayal of the goats are a bit on the off side for their faces are a bit more doglike in many instances and the troll is definitely more caricaturish.

All in all this is one interesting antique retelling and a good one to have on the shelves for children who may enjoy this brief tale.

[Tess Upchurch · Rating 1 out of 5]

Three billy goats are on their way to a hillside that is lush and full of vegetation for them to eat. The only thing that stands between the goats and the food is a bridge guarded by a mean troll who threatens to eat anyone who crosses. The first two goats make it across by convincing the troll to wait for their older brother who is the largest and meatiest. In the end the oldest billy goat kills the troll and the brothers make their way up the hillside.

I have heard and read many renditions of this tale and almost all of them were superior to this one. The text and illustrations reflected minimal effort. The illustrations seemed haphazard and rather muddied. I understand that this may have been the artistic intent but for me I felt that this style obscured my understanding of the text instead of expanding upon or emphasizing the story line. Additionally, there was even a spelling error on the first page of my addition in which the word “once” was written as “one.” Overall it seemed that there was little effort put into the creation of this book. I would love to include this story in a unit about folktales, but I would definitely use a different version.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite childhood stories.
I have read this to my little one for years now.
This audio version of this favorite story holds up to our love for this tale!

[Lindsey Steltenpohl]

Good book to teach children how to be brave.

[Denaya Watts · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fantasy fiction book written by Peter Christen Asbjørnsen is titled “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” with the intended age range for children four to eight years old. The book is an adaptation from a similar story and has been given the 1994 World Fantasy Award Nominee. The tale is about a family of three goat brothers, all of them requiring fresh food to eat. However, one issues exists. The area that would provide the enriching food is located on the other side of a bridge guarded by an unfriendly troll. The troll holds bad intentions for the goat brothers, leaving it up to the trio to create a plan to safely travel across. The work of folklore contains words and pictures accompanying them, adding a visualization of the three goats and the troll. The author includes attention to detail to show the ferocious and intimidating side of the troll, so children understand he is an obstacle or barrier for the goats to reach their goal. The animals can speak like regular people, allowing them to have a voice and give human-like qualities. The author depicts the goat brothers as clever and cunning, the two young brothers using their words to get out of a dangerous situation with the troll encounter. With the oldest goat brother, he used brains and brawn to gain the upper hand for himself, granting all of them the safety of traveling over the bridge. The main theme that can be pulled is that being greedy does not lead to anywhere pleasant. It is likely to put one into trouble that is too deep for them to get out of, being shown by the troll’s actions that were reckless. Greed can blind one from making proper decisions or knowing when something is too large for them to handle, leading to him being outsmarted by the goats. (Review Date: 11/12)

[Jennifer Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Three Billy Goats Gruff

I read this classis folklore and forgot all about the story. The troll was hungry looking for a great meal. He encounters 3 bill goats of all different sizes. The first 2 are too small but the 3rd was just the right size. However, he didn't know what was in store when he saw the 3rd bill goat. The moral of the story is not to be so greedy and get what you can. This story was not as exciting for children to read compared to other stories I have read.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm sure this is the most authentic version of this story that I've ever read. The pictures were phenomenal and the text was brutally honest and raw. Perhaps that is because it was a translation, but I found the story fun to read - especially when the troll gets "crushed into bits" before he is thrown into the river. My children liked it too.

[Natalie Prohaska]

The Three Billy Goats Gruff is a book about 3 goats who outsmart a troll who lives under a bridge. This book can teach kids a lesson about how much weight a bridge can carry and the science behind it. An activity can be the kids make a bridge out of toothpicks and gumdrops and see how much it can hold in weight.

[Min · Rating 3 out of 5]

A tale I remember my mother reading to me, from this edition. I never knew it was an old Norwegian folk tale. Also why I believe most American children know about trolls and bridges. I wonder how this became the popular story to tell.
Who knew goats were so violent, especially to trolls.

[Marissa Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has all the charming elements that folk tales have. It's an easy read and would be a fun book to have students use an inspiration for a creative writing piece.

Six+1: Ideas, Organization

Guided Reading: G
Lexile: 400

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this for a 2nd Grade Reading Group. Fairy Tales - 10 lessons understanding fairy tales. (special words like Once upon a time and Happily Ever After, Royalty, Good Character, Evil Character, Magic Numbers 3 and 7, problem and solution) 2.RL.5, 2.RL.6, 2.RL.7

[Alyssa Arce]

The three Billy Goats wanted to go to a green meadow however to get there, they have to cross a bridge with a horrible Troll. When the goats crossed they convinced the troll not to eat them due to their sizes. In class I would have students write out sequence worksheets.

[John Lyman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sweet children’s story. A classic.

[S D]

best version? certainly most nostalgic

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a classic and lovable story!

[Set · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a classic folk tale but the images didn't do it much justice.

[Ronnie Hobbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book about bravery. Ages 4-9 would be good

[Madison Woodmansee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Marcia Brown is a book about three goats trying to cross a bridge to get "fat". However, there is a troll that is interfering with them trying to cross the bridge. The first billy goat crosses the bridge and the troll stops him to try and eat him. The little billy goat says that he is too little and the next goat is much bigger. So the troll lets him go and he waits for the next billy goat. The second billy goat than says the same thing to the troll when he stops him and it happens over again. Finally, the big final third goat comes along the bridge and gets stopped by the troll. However, this goat was big and scary and beat the troll and got away. This tale was like a lot of other tales told through time but it mostly reminded me of The Three Little Pigs. It was repetitive which is a great quality in children's books. When children are learning to read repetition is key for them to learn words and sentences. It also allows the book easy for kids to read on their own after an adult reads the first part. The illustrations in this book betrayed the story well and even enhanced the setting of the story. The illustrated used water colors for the pictures and I think it really added to the pictures and setting. Since this is a folk tale story the water colored look fits. Also, the illustrated played color into his images a lot. If you notice the small goat was white which to me portray innocents. The colors used in the troll were black and red. Those colors both mean mean, danger, and bad.Those of which were all qualities of the bad troll. Lastly, the setting such as grass (which is what the goats ate) and trees were all green which portrays nature. Overall this book is a great children's book that allows the child to read an easy read but while also being challenged in words. It contains a great story line and great illustrations and I would recommend this to all young readers.

[K Morlando · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent retelling of the classic story!

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

We watched this story on DVD as part of Scholastic's Storybook Treasures. The story is not truly animated, but the illustrations by Marcia Brown are shown with various zooming techniques throughout as a read-along narrative is depicted. This story was narrated by Rex Robbins, with music by Arthur Custer. It was a faithful retelling of the classic tale, and did not soften the violence of the original tale. We enjoyed watching this story together.

Our youngest brought this book home from her second grade class to practice her reading. It's a bit easy for her, but we enjoyed reading it again together.

[Elizabeth Byers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about 3 billy goats named Gruff Gruff Gruff who want to cross over a bridge that leads to a little meadow with fresh grass to eat. On their way to cross the bridge, they come face to face with a mean troll who tries to eat them one by one. However, the first billy goat is small, so he tells the troll that the second billy goat is much bigger and fatter and that he should wait for him, so the troll lets him pass. The second billy goat does the same thing, and when the third billy goat gets to the bridge, he pushes the mean troll off of the bridge with his horns. This book is a good book to use in younger grades, particularly kindergarteners, because it teaches them a lesson about size and order.

Ronsen, P., & Moe, J. (1957). The three billy goats Gruff. New York, NY: Harcourt, Brace.

[Victoria Leininger-halpern · Rating 5 out of 5]

The classic tale of three billy goats looking for greener pasture when they are confronted with a big, ugly troll with a taste for fat goat. I have loved this book since I was a little girl, and I highly recommend it for any young child because it has enough wit, cleverness and suspense to interest kids, but not enough to scare them.

The drawings done by Marcia Brown are very nice and natural, and the way she made the troll blend into the ground under the bridge is very ingenious. Also, the different ways she drew the goats, the little one being cute and cuddly and the big one strong and solid, was very smart and adds a lot of foreshadowing.

This book is clever, funny, and a good read for children of all ages.

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Billy Goats Gruff is a classic story of three goats that brave a mean troll. The story uses classic folktale elements to depict a story of conquering over an seemingly evil character. It is rich in illustrations which captures the reader as well as the audience. The descriptive language used to retell the story of the goats also creates realism although the text is clearly fiction. As like many folktales and fairytales, the story concludes and a lesson is gained. Patience is taught throughout the story and depicted with each goats challenges.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was unusual however my two sons absolutely think it is great. It resonated with me when the third billy goat stated he was going to rip apart the troll into bits, body and bones. I thought this was gross. The third billy goat did rip apart the troll and the three billy goats lived happily ever after in the field. I am not sure if I would recommend this book as it depends on the audience. It is a capturing story. I am also not sure if I would use this book in my classroom although it does paint an interesting story line perhaps generating some good discussion.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

We've read several versions of the Three Billy Goat Gruffs. I'm sure my kids will want to read a hundred more.

The illustrations were really great in this book. Not cutesy by any means and not too scary either. The text was your basic story, nothing fancy but still very readable. It just sort of sounded like all the others. Hmmmm....maybe it's the same story......

We all enjoyed it. One of the better choices for this story.

[Erika Tortorice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book fals under the genre of Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes. This book was a pop-up book which I felt made it more interactive for the reader. I enjoyed how each page the characters popped off the page standing out from the background. It was a cute story and easy to read. I could see this book being used in a classroom to teach what a moral is for an English lesson.

[Marissa Pezzullo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book about three clever goats who trick a troll into thinking the next goat is bigger and tastier. What the troll doesn't realize is that he is about to get no goats at all. This would be a good book to share and maybe retell using a play method for children to have fun retelling the story.

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember reading about this story when I was younger! The version that I read was a little different than this one. This version might not be the best to share with little kids. The last billy goat ends up crushing the bones of the troll and poking his eyes out with his horns. There illustrations are interesting to look at. Everything is outlined in black lines.

[Concetta Seidler · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Three Billy Goats Gruff is a great fairy tale for children of all ages. The tale is about three goats who want to cross the bridge to eat grass but a troll is stopping them. The troll wants to eat the goats but each goat tricks the troll into eating the next one until the biggest goat pushes the troll into the water. This is a very fun story to read with children and I would recommend it.