Lise Lunge-Larsen is a Norwegian-American storyteller who wants to tell us about a creature rarely reported on in zoological circles, the Norwegian Troll. These nine (really ten, if you keep reading past the bibliography and sources) stories are relatively short, and easy to read. The illustrations are provided by woodcuts created by Betsy Bowen, and they provide just the right atmosphere for these wonderful tales.

My children and I all loved these stories, and we recommend them to you.

The stories in this Houghton Mifflin hardcover, reflect the heritage of the author, who, like myself, is Norwegian. I love the forward in the book in which she refers to the reason stories are so important. These tales all told about trolls are written beautifully for telling or reading, and the woodcut illustrations evoke just the rough hewn image required to help transport ourselves to a gentle time and place.

Buy this to read to others and yourself. It is a modern classic!

Because I am of Scandanavian descent, I saw this book in my public library and immediately picked it up. My son loves Harry Potter, Narnia, etc and wants me to read and re-read every story I have time for in this book for the last few nights. The author has been a storyteller for the last 20 years and this book is one of the easiest to read aloud books I've gotten. Great woodcut illustrations that capture the essence of trolls and Norway. I'm buying copies for myself and my nieces and nephews as an essential for a child's library. Has some violent, Grimm's fairy tale images, that the author explains to disquieted parents in afterwords to each story. children are less upset by the violence than the parents, it seems to her and me. My son delighted at the images of trolls being turned into stone, or shoved by little boys into boiling water head first. ... can tell parents more about the meaning of this child's delight.

This book is beautifully illustrated and the language developmentally appropriate for children as young as four, but my six-year old niece was horrified when Queen Inga goes through the "Trial of Irons" (carrying red hot iron bars from one end of the church to the other). Also, we are not a Christian family, and I found the continual references to the Church and God and miracles overbearing and preachy, even if they are in keeping with the original saga. I would suggest parents use caution before ordering this book, as gorgeously done as it is.

This is a gorgeous book with illustrations that are breathtaking in their beauty. As for the content, it is a fascinating story. The Christian content of the book is not as inappropriate as a previous review made it seem. No more so than any of the other well-done books centered on other religions. The violence is not troublesome , either, unless one expects their children to be in a position to carry red hot irons at home or school! I would hope that when exposing children to the many facets and experiences the world has to offer, we don't deprive them of wonderful books such as these simply to conform to a contemporary politically correct outlook.

The Birkebeiners were peasants and fierce warriors in the Middle Ages whose King sat on the throne of Norway. Their rivals, the Baglers, were rich noblemen who wanted to claim the throne for themselves. In 1206, the King had died and left behind an infant son, Prince Hakon. His Queen, Inge, hid her baby for over a year to keep him safe, but as the Baglers became stronger, and threatened the life of the prince, she realized it was time to travel north to Nidaros where the Birkebeiners would protect them, and the prince could take his rightful place on the throne. She asked the priest, Sira Trond, for help, and he gathered the best and bravest men of his small village. To outwit the Baglers, this small band of Birkebeiners decided to ski over the mountains at the darkest, coldest, most dangerous time of the year, braving fierce storms to bring their Queen and baby Prince to safety..... Take a slice of engaging medieval history, add beautiful and evocative artwork, and you have The Race Of The Birkebeiners. Based on Sturla Tordsson's account of the escape and rescue of Norway's future King Hakon, written in 1264, Lise Lunge-Larsen has authored a compelling picture book that's sure to mesmerize youngsters with its powerful story. Her dramatic text is full of atmosphere and suspense, and begs to be read aloud. Mary Azarian's rich, bold and colorful woodcut illustrations transport the reader back to Medieval times, and on this long ago journey over mountains, through snowstorms, and darkness to safety. With an afterword detailing King Hakon's reign, Norway's Golden Years, and how the Birkebeiners are still honored today for their bravery and heroism, this is an exceptional and captivating story children 5-9 shouldn't miss.