The Great Troll War
#4 in The Last Dragonslayer Series
on Goodreads (1,656)
What’s inside...
The Great Troll War tells the captivating story of a young boy named Finn who uncovers a secret world of trolls living beneath his city. As the conflict between humans and trolls escalates, Finn becomes entangled in a war that could alter the fate of both worlds forever. The Last Dragonslayer Chronicles concludes with its final installment, showcasing how a small group of dedicated followers, armed with a large tin of resolve and unwavering determination, can accomplish nearly anything. Sixteen-year-old Jennifer Strange and her sidekick, Tiger Prawns, find themselves in Cornwall due to a troll invasion. Their only defense is a trench filled with buttons, which terrifies the trolls. As they face threats from the Mighty Shandar who aims to use the Quarkbeast to achieve world domination, Jennifer and her allies, including a renegade vegan Troll and a bunch of misfit sorcerers, must stop him and uncover truths about her origins and the mysteries locked in her VW Beetle's glovebox.
Character compass
Jennifer Strange
Lady Mawgon
Tiger Prawns
Wizard Moobin
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the trolls and humans to start a war?
How did the characters' feelings change throughout the story?
What would you have done if you were in the place of the main character?
How do you think the story would have changed if the trolls and humans decided to talk instead of fight?
What did you learn about resolving conflicts from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, drawing parallels to any of their own experiences.
Discuss the importance of understanding different perspectives, using examples from the book where characters might have misunderstood each other.
Use the story's context to talk about conflict resolution and the impact of war, emphasizing peaceful solutions and the power of communication.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings based on different decisions made by the characters, fostering creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Highlight the moral lessons in the story, and encourage your child to think about how they apply those lessons in their daily life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'The Great Troll War,' characters must work together to overcome challenges posed by the troll conflicts. This collaboration illustrates the power of collective effort.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperating with others to achieve common goals, useful in school projects or sports teams.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The book showcases characters facing and resolving conflicts creatively. These scenarios highlight the significance of thinking critically and creatively.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply problem-solving skills to their academic challenges, social situations, or when dealing with personal dilemmas.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Characters in the book often have to make brave decisions in the face of danger, exemplifying courage.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears and stand up for what is right, whether it's in confronting bullies or trying new activities.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Tolerance
Explanation: Through interactions with the trolls, characters learn to understand and accept differences, promoting a message of tolerance.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to appreciate diversity and be tolerant of others' differences, which is crucial in building empathetic relationships.