Muncle Trogg

Gr 3–6—Pint-sized Muncle Trogg is known as a Minikin to the rest of the giants on Mount Grumble in Janet Foxley's humorous debut title (Chicken House, 2012). Actually, he's more the size of humans known as Smallings. Nothing much is expected of Mungle due to his size and because he and his brother, Grit, always seem to be in trouble. Muncle has failed his exams and burned down the school. Grit and Muncle have each lost a dragon, and Grit isn't allowed back at school until he replaces the creature. A good dragon costs about 50 nuggets. To earn the money, Muncle agrees to dress in some Smalling clothing and be part of a skit with Pa in the "Burps and Farts Competition." Grit surprises everyone by kidnapping a Smalling named Emily and uses her in his skit. Then Princess Puglug demands to keep Emily as a pet along with Muncle. Realizing the danger, Muncle helps Emily escape. Muncle learns more about the Smallings, Mount Grumble which is a volcano, and the Smalling Book of Magic. British narrator, James Daniel Wilson, perfectly captures the personalities of a variety of characters from gruff Pa, Muncle, and Emily to King Thoughtless the 13th, and Princess Puglug. Sound effects add to the telling. Listeners will enjoy the adventures mixed with wacky humor.–Nancy Baumann, University of Columbia-Missouri