ABOUT Troll Forest, A norwegian Tale

Peter, a fourteen-year-old boy, works as a hired farm hand in the next village to earn money to help his mother save their farm. On his way home, he finds himself alone in the forest just before dark. Peter has no choice but to spend the night in the forest. He falls into a restless sleep but is soon awakened by loud voices. In the moonlight, he sees a huge woman emerge from the forest followed by a ten-foot-tall man carrying a youngling on his shoulders. At first Peter is frightened by these strange folk; but when the youngling falls into a rolling stream, his parents unaware of his danger; Peter must decide whether to try to save the youngling or to stay safely hidden. In the end, with a little magic, will Peter be able to save the youngling and his mother’s farm? Join Peter on his adventures in the enchanting, magical Troll Forest.

PRAISE FOR Troll Forest, A norwegian Tale

The magic and mystery of Troll Forest, A Norwegian Tale, is a masterful union of text by Donna Marie Seim and illustrations by Susan Spellman. I gave it a trial run with several children. I read through the whole book, and then I heard, “Again, again!” Exactly what I had hoped for.

In our second reading the children enjoyed looking for objects that sprang out of the text. In Troll Forest, we found Peter’s wooden cup, a red suspender, character’s faces, dancing figures, and owls perched in a deeply forested background, along with patches on clothing and strange looking shoes. The endless list was a rich pastiche enhancing the storyline.

“Again, again!” Our third reading led us to the central theme—to save the family farm. First, by Peter working hard, second, by facing danger in a dark forest overnight, third, by a selfless act of bravery and finally to celebrate a surprise ending.

The magic and mystery are wrapped in a tale of moral integrity that needs to be read out loud. The children were delighted and so was I.

— Mac Gimse, Professor Emeritus, Sculptor and Art Historian, St. Olaf College

Five Star Review from Alex Ndirangu for Readers’ Favorite

Troll Forest was lovely. It fulfilled all the requirements for a fantastic, fast paced adventure. As Peter strides into the forest and night approaches, incredible Norwegian mysteries of old and the secrets of the deep forest begin to unravel. You can’t wait to learn more about the trolls’ secretive livelihood and how they manage to leave no trace of their nighttime escapades. The illustrations are vibrant and elaborate. They are so creative that they vividly display the characters’ traits. Peter is not only hardworking but also a brave and compassionate young man. Every attribute about him is described and expressed in actions, as evidenced in the illustrations. Troll Forest highlights the excellent research and time invested by Donna Marie Seim and illustrator Susan Spellman. It is appropriate for children of all ages. The moral lesson embedded in it will instill in children the importance of being brave and hardworking. Adults will also enjoy learning more about the mystery of trolls.

Five Star Review

Enchanting Tale for Children

A delightful story about the virtues of kindness and compassion brought to life by the exceptional talents of author Donna Seim and artist Susan Spellman. Together they reprise the medieval tales of mischievous, creatures who wander the forest by night, with positive portrayals that turn feared, mythical giants and goblins into magical benefactors who save the day!

Brooks Wright, author of Now I Say Goodbye To You, chosen one of the best Indie Fiction & Literature Books of 2019 by Kirkus Reviews. Also author of The Sky is Far Away, and Ring of Deceit.

Benjamin Franklin Awards Children’s Picture Book—Editorial

“Troll Forest, A Norwegian Tale, is a rich and wonderful story. It does have a fair amount of text, so it would be either at the upper level of this age range or a read along for younger members of the group. This is a coming-of-age story so explanation may need to be provided for that process. I would also recommend that pre-teens read this selection: Peter is a good role model. Some of the scenes may be a little scary (the trolls) but in the end we find that they are warm hearted and giving.

The Mini-glossary is a nice addition to the book. Theillustrations are animated and engaging. The images highlight detail in the accompanying storyline. Dust jackets add a nice finish to books, and this one does not fail. This will be a wonderful addition to any children’s library.”

Selected quote from a second Benjamin Franklin Awards Book Reviewer

“A delightful story with a fully fleshed plot. The colorful illustrations suit the lively story. A glossary and “fact” sheet about trolls are the final touches. A terrific read aloud for young children that feels like a traditional folk tale. The afterword by a college professor provide ideas fro enriching the read aloud experience.”