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Tollins [Audiobook, Unabridged] [Audio CD]

Conn Iggulden (Author)
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)


Out of Print--Limited Availability.


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Book Description

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 describe them at all. They are about as fragile as a house brick.

In "How to Blow Up Tollins" a fireworks factory comes to the village of Chorleywood and the Tollins find themselves being used as industrial supplies. Being blasted into the night sky or spun round on a Catherine wheel is nowhere near a much fun as it sounds. It's up to one young Tollin to save his people from becoming an ingredient.

In "Sparkler and the Purple Death" our hero looks execution in the face. Luckily, the executioner's mask in backwards.

Finally, in "Windbags and Dark Tollins" Tollin society faces a threat from the Dorset countryside, which, again, is much more frightening and nail-bitingly dramatic than it actually sounds.

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.


Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Iggulden follows the breakaway success of his nonfiction guide to restoring adventure to overprotected kids (The Dangerous Book for Boys, 2007) with another wickedly funny and ingenious read. This time, he creates an intricate fictional world in which the tiny Sparkler—Peter Pan–like in his mischief, Ulysses-esque in his cunning—holds together three separate stories. Tollins are tiny, nectar-eating woodland creatures with elf ears and wings but bigger than the fairies they casually use as handkerchiefs. They enjoy an idyllic existence until a fireworks factory is built in the village of Chorleywood. One of the Tollins falls into a rocket, producing the most bang for the buck ever witnessed, and the men of the village hunt the Tollins down to use as fodder for their fireworks. Parts 2 and 3 continue Sparkler’s perils and escapes from prison, execution, and a runaway hot-air balloon. Sparkler is a self-made scientist—it’s great fun to see him using applied chemistry for fireworks, finding herbs for medicine, and discovering the first steam engine. Duncan’s full-color illustrations and maps bring the world to witty life. A note at the end likens the Tollins’ fate to child labor during the Industrial Revolution. There is much to think about and love in this beautifully realized world. Grades 3-6. --Connie Fletcher --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

“A deliciously subversive vein runs through this story collection-not surprising coming from the coauthor of The Dangerous Book for Boys…Iggulden’s flair for the ironic and absurd, which recalls Lemony Snicket, should tickle both kids and adults.” --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

  • Audio CD
  • Publisher: Oakhill Publishing Limited; Unabridged edition (November 12, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1846487668
  • ISBN-13: 978-1846487668
  • Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 6.5 x 1.1 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 7 ounces
  • Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)

More About the Author

Despite finding time to write historical novels and The Dangerous Book for Boys, Conn Iggulden is in some ways better known as a trainer of Tollins. His Tollin troupe, "Small and Mighty," are famous in Tasmania, where they often play to packed houses. "It used to be just a hobby," he says, "but when you've seen a display of Tollin synchronized flying, you realize it's your life's work. Also, they can be transported in shoe boxes, so it's pretty cheap to get around."

 

Customer Reviews

5 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
5.0 out of 5 stars (5 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific Read!, October 11, 2009
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.


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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Add a little spice to your child's life, April 27, 2010
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
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Nicely done!, January 5, 2010
By 
W. Johnson (Fuquay-Varina, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
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!
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