Three Billy Goats Gruff
What’s inside...
The 'Three Billy Goats Gruff' by Paul Galdone is a retelling of the classic Norwegian fairy tale about three goats who need to cross a bridge to reach a meadow full of grass. The smallest goat crosses first but is stopped by a hungry troll living under the bridge. The goat convinces the troll to wait for his bigger brother. The medium goat then faces the same situation and also persuades the troll to wait for the largest goat. When the biggest goat tries to cross, the troll confronts him, but the largest goat is strong enough to butt the troll off the bridge. The three goats safely cross the bridge and enjoy the lush grass in the meadow. Janet Stevens gives us a new look at the confrontation between three billy goats and an ugly troll. “The pictures are exceptionally well reproduced, and Stevens makes clever use of her layout, propelling the actions out of the borders at times, giving them verve and movement.”
Discussion points
What do you think the three billy goats were feeling when they decided to cross the bridge?
Why do you think the troll didn’t want the goats to cross the bridge?
What could the goats have done differently to solve their problem with the troll?
How did the story change after the biggest billy goat talked to the troll?
What did you learn from how the goats dealt with the troll?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they think the story might be about based on the cover and title.
While reading, pause at critical moments and ask your child to predict what might happen next.
Encourage your child to think about the different characters’ perspectives and feelings throughout the story.
Discuss the moral of the story and ask your child how they might use this lesson in their own life.
After finishing the book, engage your child in a creative activity, like drawing their favorite scene or writing a letter to one of the characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The story demonstrates problem-solving as the goats strategize to safely cross the bridge despite the troll's presence.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of thinking through problems and coming up with solutions, skills they can utilize in school and social situations.
Example Lesson: Courage and facing fears
Explanation: The smallest goat shows bravery by confronting the troll first, paving the way for his siblings. This illustrates the value of facing one's fears directly.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to face their own fears, whether it’s trying something new or standing up for themselves or others in challenging situations.
Example Lesson: Cooperation and teamwork
Explanation: The goats must work together to outsmart the troll and safely cross the bridge, showing how teamwork can overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: Promotes collaborative skills and the importance of working together toward a common goal in group activities or family tasks.
Example Lesson: Strategic thinking
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that different situations require different approaches, a skill useful in problem-solving and decision making.
Example Lesson: Consequences of greed
Explanation: The troll’s greed ultimately leads to his downfall as he waits for the biggest goat, which showcases the negative outcomes of being overly greedy.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to be mindful of the consequences of their actions, particularly the downfall of being greedy and always wanting more.