About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is feeling anxious about social expectations or the 'right' way to behave in public spaces like school or the theater. This charming collection of three stories follows two trolls, Pod and Podge, as they navigate the confusing world of humans. Through their slapstick mishaps and well-intentioned blunders, the book explores themes of social etiquette, the pressure of making a good impression, and the inevitable messiness of daily life. It is an ideal bridge for early readers aged 5 to 8 who are moving into longer chapter books but still crave high-energy humor. Parents will appreciate how it uses the 'fish out of water' trope to normalize the embarrassment of making mistakes while reinforcing the value of trying your best and being a good friend.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is entirely secular and lighthearted. It avoids heavy topics, focusing instead on social anxiety and behavioral expectations through a metaphorical lens. Trolls serve as a safe proxy for a child's own feelings of being 'messy' or 'different.'
