Three Billy Goats Gruff by Nick Bland

Classic Fairytales. Scholastic Australia, 2019. ISBN: 9781743815885.
(Age:2-5) Recommended. Themes: Fairy tales, Problem solving, Humour, Adventure. The classic and much loved Three Billy Goats Gruff fairytale has been brought to life by Nick Bland's bold illustrations. It is a joy to read the well known story and follow the three clever billy goats Gruff as they decide to try the grass that is greener on the other side of the bridge. But of course they have to get past the ugly troll who lives under the bridge and wants to eat them for his dinner.
This has always been a favourite of mine and one that is much loved as a read aloud by toddlers and by young children. They will love to repeat the 'Trip, Trap, Trip, Trap, Trip, Trap! ' refrain as the billygoats go over the bridge and will really enjoy the fact that it is the smallest goat who goes first and tricks the troll with his cleverness.
The illustrations are in tones of greens, blues and yellows, and bring the countryside to life. The expressions on the faces of the goats and the trolls are priceless and will have readers smiling. The troll, too, is not so scary that little people will be afraid and the final scene when the big billygoat pushes the troll into the stream is a hoot.
This will be a keeper for young children and I can see them demanding to have it read again and again.
Pat Pledger