Troll
For ages 3+
Crucial, heartfelt, and a fantastic tool for teaching kids about online safety and empathy.
By Frances Stickley, illustrated by Stefano Martinuz (Magic Cat Publishing, 2024)
*INDIE BOOK OF THE MONTH SEPTEMBER 2024*
*The Times Children's Book of the Week*
Until now, I hadn’t found a picture book on online safety for younger children that I truly loved. So, I was really excited to dive into Troll, and after reading it, it’s no surprise at all that it’s been named #IndieBookoftheMonth and was The Times Children’s Book of the Week!
Frances Stickley writes heartwarming, emotionally resonant stories, and when paired with wonderful illustrators like Stefano Martinuz, the result is something truly special. This book is a fantastic resource for parents, carers, and teachers to read with children throughout primary school. It’s a great tool to help teach kids about online behaviour, especially the concept of ‘trolls.’
For those unfamiliar with the term, a ‘troll’ in the online world is someone who uses harmful language or imagery to hurt others. The verb ‘trolling’ refers to the act of doing this. Unfortunately, in recent years, we’ve seen far too many young people fall victim to online predators, cyberbullying, and trolls. Some have even tragically taken their own lives as a result. This is why Troll is such an important book!
Children, especially those spending time unsupervised online, must learn to recognise the signs of danger in the unregulated world of social media. They also need to understand the language and behaviour of online trolls, whether these trolls are strangers or even classmates, and report it to a responsible adult immediately.
What makes this story so powerful is the way it contrasts the online and offline version of the ‘Troll’ character, offering young readers an enlightening journey. While stopping bad behaviour online is crucial, sometimes there’s more to the story behind a troll’s actions. This book beautifully illustrates how trolling can stem from loneliness or a lack of real connection.
Stefano Martinuz’s illustrations also reinforce a crucial point: online bullying and abuse can affect anyone. Regardless of your background, abilities, religion, or appearance, you or your child could become a target. This makes early recognition and reporting all the more essential.
Drawing inspiration from the familiar fairy tale of The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Troll introduces us to a troll hiding under a bridge, hurling abuse at animals passing by. It’s only when a deaf little rabbit picking flowers one day curiously approaches the troll that things change. The bunny isn’t affected by the troll’s nasty words and instead engages him in a kind, genuine and compassionate conversation. Through this encounter, the troll begins to understand that his mean behaviour online isn’t the solution to his loneliness. What he truly craves is connection and friendship. He especially needs to learn how to love himself, and a sense of self-worth.
This book deserves a place on everyone’s bookshelf, especially in schools. Its message is crucial, its story heartfelt, and it’s a fantastic tool for teaching kids about online safety and empathy.
Words © Frances Stickley & Illustrations © Stefano Martinuz
