Troll and the Oliver by Adam Stower
Adam Stower is best known here for illustrating wonderful chapter books, like Daniel Pinkwater's Mrs. Noodlekugel series and Andrew Clements's Keepers of the School series. His illustrations are expressive and detailed, reminding me of one of my favorites, Chris Riddell. And, while I love Stower's work in these books, I have to admit that I almost didn't review his newest picture book, Troll and the Oliver. I first read it at home on my own with a huge pile of review copies in front of me. Then, I took it to school with me and read it to a class of first graders visiting the library. Then kindergartners. Then fourth graders. I never got tired of reading Troll and the Oliver out loud and there didn't seem to be a cut off to the age of readers who enjoyed hearing it, making it perfect for reviewing!
Troll and the Oliver has a fairy tale feel to it that readers will instantly feel comfortable with. The story begins in the illustrations that precede the text, so pay attention! Echoes of the story of Little Red Riding Hood ripple through Troll and the Oliver, although bad guy is the star of this story. Troll tries to eat the Oliver every day at lunchtime as he walks through the woods to the market. And every day the Oliver escapes his furry paws, singing a saucy little song that will remind readers of the sassy Gingerbread Boy. It takes a reading or two to get used to saying, "the Oliver," or "an Oliver," so you might want to have a read through on your own first.


More picture books by Adam Stower:
Source: Review Copy