The Potato Party and Other Troll Tales

This compilation of seven fanciful troll tales is original and intriguing. Deliciously ugly trolls with names like Grog the Proud, Buggly, Binka, Murkle and Mog frolic through trolldom solving a multiplicity of vexatious problems. In ``The Potato Party'' one family, anxious to rid themselves of an excess of potatoes, throws a spectacular spud bash but are foiled when well-meaning trolls return with a sled full of potatoes to repay their hospitality. In ``The Fish Contest'' young Bomble troll resorts to a clever trick to win the contest and thereby take the princess to the ball. Leedy's simple stories are whimsically told, with unusual plot twists and surprise endings that add to the fun. Her action-packed, cartoony watercolors add the finishing touches to this successful fantasy kingdom: these are indeed droll trolls. Ages 5-8. (Oct.)