- ASIN: B0BWK7Y931
- Publisher: Crimson Dragon Publishing
- Publication date: 14 Mar. 2023
- Edition: 2nd
- Language: English
- Print length: 245 pages
- ISBN-13: 978-1944644369
- Grade level: 3 – 4
- Book 2 of 3: The Trolls Series
- Reading age: 8 – 10 years
- Genre: Juvenile and Environmental Fiction books
The BookViral Review:
In Winnie and the Trouble with Trolls, J. P. Coman crafts a charming, fast-paced middle-grade fantasy full of humor, heart, and a gentle but powerful message about standing up for what’s right. A sequel to an earlier adventure, this story sees Winnie Carver and her brother Jerry return to the Pine Texas State Forest—only to find the peaceful magic of the place being torn apart by overdevelopment.
The trolls of Mayfield, once safe in their hidden woodland village, are thrown into chaos when bulldozers and construction crews barrel through their meadow during the Spring Fling celebration. Amid the panic, twin troll sisters Tammy and Tiara are separated—Tammy accidentally ends up packed into Winnie’s suitcase and whisked away to Dallas, while Tiara, with her parents Zeke and Kira, sets off to find her.
One of the story’s standout episodes is the trolls’ accidental detour to Alaska. After hiding in a cargo crate, Tiara and her parents end up aboard a ship heading north. They soon find themselves in a snowy landscape where they seek refuge in a sled dog shed. The trolls’ interactions with the huskies are both hilarious and touching—especially when the dogs and trolls team up to save a stranded musher using a combination of clever planning and troll magic. These scenes capture the spirit of unlikely friendship and cross-species cooperation in a way that’s both fun and meaningful.
Back in the human world, Winnie faces different challenges. Balancing the need to protect her magical friend while navigating the expectations of middle school proves tricky. Some of the girls around her are more focused on popularity, appearances, or cliques, and Winnie struggles not to be swept up in their behavior. She finds herself tempted to conform and blend in, especially as strange things begin to happen—like her troll friend’s magic accidentally shortening the lunch line or causing her to appear to be talking to a toy in public. These moments of social awkwardness lead to a stint in the principal’s office and growing feelings of isolation.
But instead of backing down, Winnie finds her voice. Her loyalty to the trolls and her deepening awareness of the destruction in the forest push her to take action. She begins to question the adults around her, challenges her own fears of embarrassment, and takes a stand for the creatures and natural spaces she loves.
The troll characters are wonderfully developed—Tammy is dramatic and impulsive, Tiara cautious and caring, and Zeke and Kira resourceful and wise. Their journey across strange human territory is full of slapstick moments, near misses, and heartfelt longing for home. Maïlys Pitcher’s illustrations add charm and accessibility for younger readers.
Final Verdict:
Winnie and the Trouble with Trolls is a delightful mix of magic, humor, and heart. It’s a story about finding your courage, even when it’s inconvenient, and choosing what’s right over what’s easy. Perfect for readers aged 8–12, it’s an imaginative and empowering tale that encourages empathy, action, and believing in a little magic.
It is highly recommended.
