Three Silly Billies

by Margie Palatini illustrated by Barry Moser
ages: k-3

Welcome to Trollgate plaza, home of the grumpiest old troll you'd ever want to meet. The three billy goats, Billy Bob, Billy Bo, and Just Plain Billy are on their way to the beach for a day of fun. When the three brothers reach a wooden bridge that crosses a very deep river, a voice calls out, "hold your horsepower.... This is a troll bridge. I'm the troll. Now, start passing the buck." When the three billy goats don't have enough money to pass over the troll bridge, they get creative and start a car pool. Out comes the plastic swimming pool and and water wings as they wait for others to share the fare. The goats soon pool their pennies with the Three Bears, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack and are able to float across the bridge in style. But there is a surprise in store for the mean old troll in the classic folktale with a new twist.

This hysterical version of the Three Billy Goats Gruff will surely have children laughing. This is a great read-aloud book with plenty of fun for parent and child--especially if you can manage a great grumpy old troll voice.