Tollins: Explosive Tales for Children. Conn Iggulden [Hardcover]

Conn Iggulden (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

It's Peter Pan with attitude as Conn Iggulden, creator of the phenomenal bestseller The Dangerous Book for Boys, introduces an explosive and magical new fictional world. "Tollins are not fairies. Though they both have wings, fairies are delicate creatures and much smaller. Tollins are also a lot less fragile than fairies. In fact, the word 'fragile' can't really be used about them at all. They are about as fragile as a housebrick!" In these three tales, Conn Iggulden introduces the explosive, magical and adventurous world of the Tollins, all beautifully illustrated in full colour by Lizzy Duncan. Complete with thrilling stories of danger and derring-do, glorious drawings, maps and diagrams, this is more than a fantastic fiction debut for children -- it's also the definitive guide to these remarkable little flying creatures. Just don't ever call them fairies!

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 an alternate 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." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books (September 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0007303998
• ISBN-13: 978-0007303991
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.8 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,566,942 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific Read!, October 11, 2009

By 

Portianay "portianay" (KY, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Tollins: Explosive Tales for Children (Hardcover)

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.

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

By 

24bitbob "24bitbob" (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tollins: Explosive Tales for Children (Hardcover)

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

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 review is from: Tollins: Explosive Tales for Children (Hardcover)

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!