The Three Billy Goats Gruff (Paul Galdone Nursery Classic) Paperback – Picture Book, 15 Sept. 1981

I was looking for a really well illustrated copy of this classic tale after introducing the story to the 3 year old I look after. He's currently fascinated by trolls. It fits the bill and he thinks it is a really funny story. The goats are not irritatingly cartoony or photo-real, but perfectly and realistically drawn so as to show their emotions and characters. The big billy goat's appearance and ousting of the pesky troll is perfect, I like the way he is bigger than the troll, who is shown as a rather sad little beast, like a scruffy hairy homeless goblin. I am glad the troll is not a horrible scary one and good is seen to triumph over evil. I also really like the unusual angles chosen for some of the pictures, with the little goat seen from below, troll's eye view, as he tiptoes over the bridge. The only slight imperfection is I do have to ad lib some of the words so that each goat's appearance is marked by the key phrase, "UP POPPED THE GREAT BIG TROLL. WHO'S THAT TRIPPING AND TRAPPING OVER MY BRIDGE?!" as that is the right and proper way to read this story. The last page has a superfluous, meaningless rhyme "snip, snap, snout, this tale's told out" but a lovely picture of contented goats in the meadow.

Very entertaining book, enjoyed by child. I didn't like the artistic style of the illustrations, personally. Didn't show enough variety of expression.

Very well read - good, clear voice. The story is not too long and holds a toddler’s attention to the end.

the children love it

It was a struggle finding this 'Big Book' version. Excellent quality and the children really enjoy this story and animation in this book. Thank you

good

My granddaughter loved it

This was well received by my 5 year old niece who enjoyed it a lot and has played it continuously.