Tollins: Explosive Tales for Children

by Conn Iggulden

Book Overview

These are the first three stories of the Tollins. Yes, they do have wings, but no, they aren't fairies. Tollins are a lot less fragile than fairies. In fact, the word fragile can't really be used to... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 006173098X
• ISBN13: 9780061730986
• Release Date: October 2009
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 1.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 7.4" x 9.7"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Delightful!

What a refreshing change of pace from the usually sugary tales aimed at early elementary students! This is a book about small creatures called Tollins that are invisible to humans but have their own society underneath the ground and spend their days flitting about drinking nectar. The three stories here are perfect for reading aloud and brought back memories of classic tales such as The Borrowers and The Littles. This is not a fairy story. As the author is quick to point out, Tollins are not fairies and it is in fact rather disturbing how fairies are treated here. They wind up accidentally squished quite a bit, and are used as hankies by their larger Tollin counterparts. Who needs a snotty fairy? The humour here is sly and will be appreciated by a wide age range. This book made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion. The writing is superb and the illustrations perfectly complement the story by adding to the charm of these small creatures and their exploits. Be forewarned, these stories are not for the faint of heart. Tollin health care consists of amputation for the part that is bothering you - even for a case of dandruff - and the High Tollin is prone to ordering executions. The whimsical nature of the illustrations help to sort of soften these moments and they end up just adding to the fantastical nature of the story. I simply can't wait to see more adventures. This is a big recommend for anyone ages 5 and up and seems to be ready made for classrom reading all the way up to 4th grade or so... The gruesome elements and the humour are sure to keep even the older kids tuned into this unique book.

Add a little spice to your child's life

I bought this on impulse at a local bookstore never having heard of 'The Tollins' or Conn Iggulden. I read it to my 5 year old son at bed time, and now on our third time around he keeps asking for more. Worryingly (or not) I keep obliging since I find it such a simple tale, yet one which is so utterly engrossing. It has that vein of humour which keeps us adults satisfied, yet at the same time it paints a fairy tale that boys and girls of the 21st century will fall into with relish. Being honest, it's not quite right for my 4 year old daughter who dotes on all things pink, fairy like and with princesses in every corner - quite what she'd make of the fairy handkerchief, I don't know. So be warned, it comes with a mild (very mild) PG warning. If you think your kids need a little bit of spice to add to their sugar, then the Tollins deliver by the bucket load. You may want to know that the book comes across as being a little bit British, but in a charming, universal,sort of British way. There are a few references to locations dotted across southern Britain, but these should be viewed much as Westminster Tower appears in the Peter Pan Disney film - it serves as an anchor, but never intrudes. A superb book, which is guaranteed to keep any 5 year old child completely enthralled for many a reading. An unequivocal 5*'s

Fanastic

We're on our second consecutive reading of the Tollins. My almost five-year-old son is a huge fan. Fun without the potty humor, dangerous without being overly scary, Sparkler is a has a great head on his shoulders and his adventures teach kids to get in there and don't be afraid to solve your own problems. We can't wait for another book!

Nicely done!

This is a very entertaining read. My 6 year old daughter is ready to leave stories about fairies far behind in favor of Tollins. She is a good reader, but is fairly timid about conflict in stories. These three stories offer just the right amount of intrigue to keep her on the edge of her seat, but without prompting her to go running for her mother. The cute [...] website is worth visiting as well. Nice book reminds me somewhat of the stellar edition of Pippi Longstocking which was illustrated by Lauren Child. Recommended!

Terrific Read!

I am always on the lookout for books which will appeal to elementary-aged girls AND boys, and I believe TOLLINS is one. There is enough eeeww-yukky-gross humor to satisfy everyone, without overdoing it, and plenty of tongue-in-cheek irony for parents as well. I like the emphasis on curiosity, education, and alertness; after all, (without giving it all away), the plot really rests on all three. On a side note: Thank you, Mr. Iggulden, for your treatment of fairies. As a librarian, I am nearly as tired of THEM as I am of VAMPIRES. Absolutely PERFECT illustrations, Ms. Duncan! And whoever decided on the cover looking the way it does: Excellent. Someone understands that kids like eye candy, too.