This engaging adventure showcases Matt Haig's wry sense of humor, drawing readers deeper into the imaginative world introduced in Samuel Blink and the Forbidden Forest.
September 1, 2008
Gr 5-8-This book is just as delightful as "Samuel Blink and the Forbidden Forest" (Putnam, 2007). It continues the story of Samuel and Martha, along with their Norwegian aunt and uncle and the trolls who live in the neighboring forest. The siblings are starting school, which is not an easy thing when you only speak English. Samuel has enough problems without the arrival of Troll-Son, who is hiding from the Betterer, an adult troll who uses various torture techniques to make the trolls more human. Meanwhile, Martha is becoming friendly with Cornelia, who has motives other than friendship for spending time with her. When the worlds of the trolls and the humans fully connect, there is no guessing what will happen. Enthusiastically portrayed with all of their quirks, the characters are engaging. Fast pacing adds to the readability of the book, and the combination of fantasy and broad humor is very well done."Tasha Saecker, Menasha Public Library, WI"
Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
January 1, 2009
Samuel's old friend Troll-Son runs away from the Betterer, a particularly nasty troll who punishes troll children with itching soap and dunking cages. Samuel also has troubles of his own (e.g., rich Mr. Myklebust wants to send Samuel's uncle to jail). Trolls and humans work together to save the day in this silly, affectionate sequel to Samuel Blink and the Forbidden Forest.
(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)