Hilda and the Troll
#1 in Hilda Series
on Goodreads (9,251)
What’s inside...
Hilda can never sit still for long without setting off on another adventure. She can't resist exploring her enchanting world—a place where trolls walk, crows speak, and mountains move. The magic and folklore of the wild, windswept North come alive in this book about an adventurous little girl and her habit of befriending anything, no matter how curious it might seem. While on an expedition to illustrate the magical creatures of the mountains around her home, Hilda spots a mountain troll. As the blue-haired explorer sits and sketches, she slowly starts to nod off. By the time she wakes up, the troll has totally disappeared and, even worse, Hilda is lost in a snowstorm. On her way home, Hilda befriends a lonely wooden man, and narrowly avoids getting squashed by a lost giant. This brand new hardback edition of Hilda and the Troll (previously sold as Hildafolk in paperback) is packed with bonus, never-before-seen content and offers a fresh chance to read the very first outing in Luke Pearson's ever-popular series of magical Hilda adventures. Luke Pearson, author of Hilda and the Midnight Giant, Hilda and the Bird Parade, and Everything We Miss, has fast become one of the leading talents of the UK comics scene. Hilda and the Midnight Giant was selected as one of 2012's twenty-five best illustrated children's books by Publishers Weekly magazine. The book also won the Young People's Comic Award at the 2012 British Comic Awards.
Discussion points
What do you think Hilda learned from her adventure with the troll?
How did Hilda show courage in the story? Can you think of a time when you were brave like her?
What would you do if you met a creature like the troll?
How did the settings in the story change and how did that affect Hilda’s adventure?
If you could ask Hilda one question about her journey, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story by asking open-ended questions. Validate their responses to show that their opinions are valued. Connect the story to their personal experiences to make the discussion more relatable. Use the illustrations in the book to spark more conversation about the scenes and characters. Finally, encourage creative thinking by asking what they might do differently if they were in Hilda’s shoes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing the unknown
Explanation: Hilda’s encounters with various mythical creatures, including the troll, highlight her bravery as she navigates unfamiliar territories and situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of embracing new experiences and facing fears, fostering resilience in school and social interactions.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The protagonist, Hilda, is constantly exploring her surroundings and seeking new adventures, demonstrating an inquisitive nature.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore their own world, ask questions, and learn actively, enhancing their cognitive and social skills.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Hilda often encounters problems that she needs to solve, such as finding her way home or figuring out how to interact with the creatures she meets.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in their daily challenges at school and home.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: Throughout her adventures, Hilda shows compassion and understanding towards the creatures she meets, even if they seem strange or intimidating at first.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of empathy and kindness in fostering positive relationships and accepting differences among peers.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Despite various challenges, Hilda maintains a positive attitude and keeps pushing forward.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of perseverance and resilience in overcoming obstacles, which is crucial for their emotional development and achieving personal goals.