Elisabeth and the Water-Troll [Hardcover]

Walter Wangerin (Author), Deborah Healy (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up

A motherless girl rediscovers hope and love when a lonely, misunderstood water troll takes her down into his well.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4 Up-- This unusual book is well written and strikingly illustrated, but it is unlikely that it will find a wide audience. Wangerin uses a sophisticated vocabulary; archetypal characters; and an imaginative, episodic plot to tell the story of a young girl taken by an evil troll, who finds solace for her grief at the death of her mother. The water-troll, misunderstood and feared by the villagers, feels pity for Elisabeth and takes her to his home in the well in an effort to restore her happiness. Unfortunately, his kindness is misinterpreted by the villagers who kill him in their attempt to rescue Elisabeth. The water-troll gives his life willingly, however, knowing that he has succeeded in his aim of showing Elisabeth the power of love. Healy's illustrations are flat, with decorative borders, and are somehow dark yet bright, reminiscent of the surrealistic works of artist Frida Kahlo. Like the text, they are sophisticated, unusual, and strangely appealing. Wangerin's writing style is lyrical and somewhat obscure, requiring excellent reading and/or listening skills. The sombre story and minimal characterization may be off-putting to those readers in search of light entertainment. For those willing to work, however, this is an intriguing and unusual combination of themes and events that will undoubtedly provoke strong reactions. --Lisa Dennis, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 63 pages
• Publisher: Harpercollins Childrens Books; 1st edition (May 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060263539
• ISBN-13: 978-0060263539
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #574,432 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Walter Wangerin Jr. is widely recognized as one of the most gifted writers writing today on the issues of faith and spirituality. Starting with the renowned Book of the Dun Cow, Wangerin's writing career has encompassed most every genre: fiction, essay, short story, children's story, meditation, and biblical exposition. His writing voice is immediately recognizable, and his fans number in the millions. The author of over forty books, Wangerin has won the National Book Award, New York Times Best Children's Book of the Year Award, and several Gold Medallions, including best-fiction awards for both The Book of God and Paul: A Novel. He lives in Valparaiso, Indiana, where he is Senior Research Professor at Valparaiso University.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars An Amazing Grief Book, June 13, 2005

By 

Ugly Olde Witch "UglyOldeWitch" (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Elisabeth and the Water-Troll (Hardcover)

I know this book is probably written for and marketed to children, but as a grieving adult, it is awesome. The words he uses, the illustrations by Deborah Healy - all beautifully blend together. It appears (I haven't researched this fully) that Walter Wangerin, Jr. is a Christian writer, but this book could easily be used in all religious traditions.

I especially love the part where the townspeople go to the parson and demand answers from him. He simply says, "I don't know." Their response is, "how can we fight a mystery?"

I love the book for adults, but I think there are several good messages in it for children, one, that things are not always as they appear...