Grumble's Bridge! product reviews

Before I had reached the second page, I had already realised that it was going to be a retelling of the Three Billy Goats Gruff. The word "troll" and the illustration of a bridge somewhere in the countryside gave it away. This was one of my favourite stories when I was a child, so it was a delight to be able to share a version of it with two youngsters (who happen to love stories). Their mother laughed at the troll's name - since the children are still quite young, she has not forgotten what it feels like to be sleep deprived, and to grumble at everyone next day. Altogether we were all prepared to enjoy the story, and we were still at the beginning.

Sleep deprivation is not just for parents of course; on a cold morning, when it is time to get up for school and kindy, the children are reluctant to leave their warm beds! So, for different reasons, we all felt sorry for Grumble trying to get some sleep and being continually woken up by noisy people. And none of us believed for a moment that he would really eat anyone up. Or would he?

Both Mr Three and Miss Six have a soft spot for trolls, feeling sorry for him when he had to keep adding names to the list of creatures who were not allowed to cross his bridge. As fast as he solved a problem, another one popped up. Poor Grumble was getting more and more agitated, yet he was still getting no sleep. And when he finally thought he had found the perfect solution he ended up being the noisy one who kept others awake. Sometimes you just can't win!

Herb MacDonald's illustrations are delightful, striking just the right balance between imagination and reality. The atmospheres of the cave interior and the space under the bridge are evocative in their own ways. While the cave is mysterious and rather damp looking, the bridge space looks very cosy and just the sort of place where a sleepy troll might snuggle down. It is also inviting for Grumble after his run-in with a bear; he is depicted as being very comfortably tucked up with his soft toy despite any noises around.

Mr Three enjoyed the story on its own terms while Miss Six, being a little more receptive to the humorous elements, thought the snail was hilarious when he said he had done as he was told by going home, but had come back because Grumble had not actually ordered him to stay there. Logical when you think about it! Especially if your home is right there anyway.