Everybody knew that a big fierce troll lived in the cave.
"Leave me alone!" it yelled.
So everybody did.

Only one child cannot turn their back on the troll at the edge of the playground. One day, he takes his chalks up to the mouth of the cave. He draws a flower with every petal coloured in but one, and leaves the chalk behind. The next day, the flower has been completed. Day-by-day, the boy and the troll finish each other's drawings, until they each draw a portrait, showing a boy holding hands with a fierce, scary troll. "But you're not a troll," says the boy. "You're a boy - just like me."

Patience, kindness and the power of art win out in the end: the two boys wordlessly draw together. Soon all the other children gather to join in with the game. Everyone forgets that there was a troll inside the cave. Because outside the cave, there is so much to draw.

This touching story shows the power of kindness, art and imagination, in the face of isolation and difficult emotions, and delicately embodies the philosophy of art therapy. From the creative duo behind A Shelter for Sadness, award-winning artist David Litchfield's illustrations bring life and colour to this gentle tale of hope and friendship by Anne Booth. The beautiful, textured illustrations are also a joyful celebration of pavement art that is sure to have little ones reaching for their own chalks.

A touching picture book about the power of art and the imagination, brought to life by David Litchfield's art.

About the Author
Anne Booth (Author)
Anne Booth writes highly acclaimed children's fiction and picture books and is known for the exceptional warmth and authenticity of her writing. Her picture books include Refuge, illustrated by Sam Usher, and Little Cloud, illustrated by Sarah Massini.

David Litchfield (Illustrator)
David Litchfield is a multi-award-winning illustrator and author. His work has appeared in magazines, newspapers, books and on T-shirts, and he has exhibited his illustrations in the UK, Europe and America. David is the author/illustrator of several picture books including The Bear & the Piano, winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize.



Reviews
Taking its cue from art therapy, The Boy, the Troll and the Chalk is a beautiful book that will surely inspire many a little one to find themselves - and, quite possibly, new friends - through the magic of making art together. * Reading Zone *
It's a testament to the power of creativity and the power of kindness. Sometimes it takes someone reaching out to coax us from a difficult place. We've all been the troll in this story, and we can all be the boy. David Litchfield's illustrations are full of heart * Juno Magazine *
stunningly illustrated and beautifully written. A treasure of a book * Simon Smith *
stirring story of empathy, imagination and new-found friendship elegantly augmented by David Litchfield's illustrations - his use of scale, perspective and colour packs poignant punch * LoveReading4Kids *
Litchfield's dazzling, textured artwork brings life and colour to Booth's tale of hope and friendship. A joyful celebration of pavement art that is sure to have little ones reaching for their own chalks! -- Pam Norfolk * Lancashire Evening Post *
Highly recommended. -- Tom Tolkien * School Reading List *
Inspired me to plan a session for my Brownies based on the book. There will be chalk drawings, discussions about why people might act like trolls and how we can help. * Scope for Imagination *
This is a truly inspirational book about kindness and perseverance. * Armadillo Magazine *
Gentle and reassuring, 'The Boy, the Troll and the Chalk' is a poignant, powerful tale. * Through the Bookshelf *
A joyous expression of creativity, imagination and working together. * Books For Keeps *
This is a stunning story. We absolutely adored it. It's a heartwarming tale of hope and patience. It's a tale with the power of art therapy at its heart. It's a tale of friendship and love. It's exquisitely illustrated [...] with colour and light which echoes the gentleness of the story. The ending is truly beautiful. A book to treasure. * Mini Travellers *



Book Information
ISBN 9781800783058
Author David Litchfield
Format Hardback
Page Count 40
Imprint Templar Publishing
Publisher Templar Publishing
Weight(grams) 505g
Dimensions(mm) 294mm * 254mm * 9mm