
Reach for this book when your child is feeling small in a big world or needs a playful way to process fears about 'monsters' or unwanted intruders. It is a perfect choice for the holiday season when you want to move away from sugary sentiment and toward folklore that celebrates wit, bravery, and the satisfaction of seeing bullies get their comeuppance. In this charming Norwegian retelling, a group of rowdy trolls takes over a family's home every Christmas Eve until a traveler arrives with a very large, very white 'cat.' The story balances suspense with humor, showing children that problems that seem overwhelming can often be solved with a bit of unexpected help. Tomie dePaola's signature folk-art style keeps the atmosphere cozy rather than terrifying, making it an ideal read for children ages 4 to 8 who enjoy a spirited adventure.
The trolls are depicted as ugly and messy, which might be slightly intense for very sensitive kids.
The book is secular and mythological. It deals with home invasion and bullying in a metaphorical, folkloric sense. The resolution is triumphant and hopeful, utilizing humor to defuse the 'scary' nature of the trolls.
A 6-year-old who loves a good 'trickster' story or a child who is currently fascinated by monsters but needs a narrative where the monsters are safely outwitted and chased away.
The book can be read cold. Parents may want to practice their best 'growling' voice for the bear and 'whiny' voices for the trolls to enhance the humor. A parent might choose this after their child expresses fear of something under the bed or after a playground incident where the child felt bullied and needs a story about someone standing up for themselves.
Younger children (4-5) will focus on the bear as a protector and the physical comedy of the trolls being chased. Older children (7-8) will appreciate the irony and the cleverness of the 'cat' label as a deterrent.
Unlike many holiday books that focus on Santa or gift-giving, this focuses on ancient folklore and the power of a brave companion. DePaola's art provides a unique, gentle entry point into Norse mythology that feels accessible rather than dark.
Based on a classic Norwegian folktale, the story follows Halvor, whose home is annually invaded by trolls on Christmas Eve. A traveler from Finnmark, accompanied by a large polar bear, seeks shelter with Halvor. When the trolls arrive and mistake the bear for a house cat, they learn a painful lesson about bothering others. The bear chases them away, and a year later, the trolls are too scared to return, fearing the 'great cat' is still there.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a review