Lowly’s Book Blog

I think I problably said all there was to say about this series when I reviewed Little Fur a few weeks ago. The second volume in the series is longer, and admittedly has more adventure, the publication problems are still there. The book is still far more attractive to adults than to kids.

In the second volume Little Fur, our hero, is sent on a mission to spy on the king of the trolls. Without spoiling the story at all I think I can say that the mission is completed. But this time there is an added layer of complexity in that one of the band of travellers (fellowship?) is an ally of the trolls. And Little Fur is half troll, so her trollish nature is awakened while she is travelling underground.

Maybe the third volume, if it manages to complicate the story a little more will actually hold the interest of the upper primary students that the publishers are targeting.

A simple picture book, and three authors credited. This is usually a guarantee of disaster. However, this book was partially completed when Steven Woolman died leaving only pencil sketches. Laura Peterson took up the challenge of finishing Woolman’s work and the result is stunning.

The story is simple. A father has refused to allow a young boy to have his own rowboat, claiming that it is too dangerous. The boy’s grandfather invites the young boy to help him build a boat for another boy. Together the two build what will become a generous gift.

As it has always been with Steven Woolman’s books, the artwork enhances the story adding layers of complexity to the tale. This time there seems to be a poignant beauty as well, perhaps because as a reader we know that we will never see illustrations like this again.

This is a lovely publication, and I would fork out the money to get the hardcover edition. The print quality is usually much better.