Trollerella

This book is a great spoof of the original fairy tale. I would recommend it for all children above preschool. It satires magic fairies with a dose of reality. It's a fun read for the adults too, who get to make the voices of such hilarious characters as Victroll and the tooth fairy. The reality that transcends the magic fairy tale world is that Trollerella is still a troll (and still ugly) but that the prince loves her anyway. Sure, he loves her because of the tooth fairy's magic, but isn't love itself somewhat magical? I believe it helps children think about such concepts from different perspectives. That's why I think it belongs on the reading list of more mature children, perhaps ages 5-8. Preschoolers or younger kindergarteners probably wouldn't appreciate it. The illustrations are great as well, cartoon-like and funny. Some of them don't seem to coincide with the spirit of the literature, like at the end when it's revealed Victroll steals Cinderella's slipper from the steps (which is why the prince didn't find Cinderella and found Trollerella's slipper instead) and yet the picture shows a huge slipper. Or, when Trollerella's wart is described as huge enough to slip on an engagement ring, but the ring is shown dangling, not snug on the ring. Anyway, it's definitely one of the most entertaining picture books for children ever. That's why I gave it 5 stars

Karen M. Stegman-Bourgeois' TROLLERELLA receives Ethan Long's zany drawings and a take-off on an unusual story revolving around Trollerella, a hideous troll invited to a royal ball. But she's green and horrible - how can she gain entry to the castle? The story line proves even a Green and Gruesome one can be a winner.