Illustrations by Colleen Doran (graphic novel)
Young Jack knows his fairy tales, so when he first meets the troll under an old railroad bridge, he offers bargains.
"Don't eat me, eat my sister, she's much bigger." But she isn't, and the troll knows it. "Don't eat me, I'm still puny. Wait until I'm bigger." The troll agrees, and Jack runs away to safety. In true fairy tale tradition, Jack returns twice more. And the third meeting is the most important one.
This brief story showcases the author's knack for establishing a character with very few words, and Colleen Doran's pictures allow the story to be pared down even further without losing the subtle dark, spooky shiver on the last page.
I didn't love the illustrations of Jack, but the depiction of the Troll is perfect.
Recommended for ages 12 to adult. This story was originally part of Snow White, Blood Red (1993), a collection of re-told fairy tales collected by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling which is also recommended for adult readers.
The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern
Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS
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