Title: Troll Stinks!
Author: Jeanne Willis
Illustrator: Tony Ross
Genre: Children’s Literature
Age Range: 4-8 years
Link: amzn.to/3VY6aTt
My Thoughts:
“Troll Stinks!” by Jeanne Willis, illustrated by Tony Ross, is a modern twist on the classic tale of the Three Billy Goats Gruff, offering a poignant lesson on the dangers of cyberbullying and the importance of kindness. With engaging illustrations and a relevant storyline, this book captures the attention of young readers while delivering a crucial message.
The story begins with Billy Goat and his friend, Gruff, who find a mobile phone. As they explore its features, they come across a social media site and decide to play a prank on the troll living under the bridge. They post mean messages and photos, thinking it’s all in good fun. However, when they finally meet the troll, they realize the hurt their actions have caused and learn a valuable lesson about empathy and the consequences of online behaviour.
Tony Ross’s illustrations bring the characters to life with vibrant colours and expressive faces, really adding to the emotional impact of the story. The rhyming text is engaging and easy for young readers to follow, making it an excellent read-aloud book.
The book’s message is highly relevant in today’s digital age, where children are increasingly exposed to social media and online interactions. “Troll Stinks!” provides an accessible way to discuss the topic of cyberbullying with young children, emphasising the importance of kindness and empathy both online and offline.
Pros:
- Engaging and colorful illustrations.
- Relevant and important message about cyberbullying.
- Rhyming text that is fun to read aloud.
- Encourages empathy and kindness.
Cons:
- The concept of social media and mobile phones may require some explanation for younger readers.
“Troll Stinks!” by Jeanne Willis is a must-read for young children and their caregivers. It tackles the important issue of cyberbullying in a way that is both accessible and engaging for young readers. The book’s vibrant illustrations and rhyming text make it an enjoyable read, while the underlying message encourages empathy and responsible online behaviour.
Integrating “Troll Stinks!” into the Classroom:
“Troll Stinks!” is an excellent resource for early childhood educators. Here are some ideas for integrating it into your classroom:
- Storytime and Discussion:
- Read the book aloud during storytime and engage students in a discussion about the story’s themes. Ask questions like, “Why did Billy and Gruff think it was funny to send mean messages?” and “How did the troll feel when he saw the messages?”
- Role-Playing:
- Have students role-play different scenarios from the book. This can help them understand the emotions involved and the impact of their actions on others.
- Art Projects:
- Encourage students to create drawings or posters that promote kindness and anti-bullying messages. This can help reinforce the book’s themes in a creative way.
- Technology Lessons:
- Use the book as a starting point to teach lessons on responsible use of technology and the internet. Discuss the concept of digital footprints and the importance of thinking before posting online.
- Empathy Exercises:
- Conduct activities that promote empathy, such as sharing stories about times when someone was kind to them or when they were kind to someone else. This can help students understand the importance of being considerate both online and offline.
- Parent Involvement:
- Send a note home to parents about the book and its themes, encouraging them to discuss the story and its message with their children. This can help reinforce the lessons learned in the classroom.
By incorporating “Troll Stinks!” into your classroom activities, you can effectively teach children about the importance of kindness and responsible behaviour online, helping to create a more empathetic and aware generation.
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