Reading Guide & Classroom Resources
Hytte Troll tells the story of Stewart, an English writer who moves to a remote cabin in Telemark, Norway, only to discover he's sharing it with Grim — a tiny, mischievous troll with sticky feet and big opinions. Across eight chapters, their unlikely friendship blossoms through adventures in cross-country skiing, fishing, troll parties, and a trip to Yorkshire.
The book naturally lends itself to cross-curricular teaching, blending literacy and creative writing with geography, modern foreign languages, cultural awareness, and PSHE themes of friendship, belonging, and embracing difference.
Hytte Troll introduces children to Norwegian language naturally through the story. Here are key words your class can practise — try displaying them on your classroom word wall!
Children write a story about a troll that moves into their own home or school. Prompts:
Using a map of Scandinavia, trace Grim's journey from Trollhaugen near Bergen to Stewart's cabin in Telemark. Extend by:
Using the glossary in the book, children create their own illustrated Norwegian phrase book. Include the Norwegian word, pronunciation, English meaning, and a picture. Great for display work!
Draw or paint your own troll character inspired by Norwegian folklore. Think about:
Listen to the Yorkshire dialect audio sample from Chapter 6. In pairs, children can practise reading passages from the book in different accents and voices. Compare how English sounds different across regions and countries.
Stewart and Grim come from completely different worlds, yet they become friends. Discuss:
Grim has sticky feet that let him walk on walls and ceilings. Research real animals that can do this (geckos, tree frogs, spiders). How does it work? Could humans ever do it? Design an invention that would let people walk on ceilings.
In the book, Stewart hears Grieg's music drifting from Trollhaugen. Listen to "In the Hall of the Mountain King" by Edvard Grieg. How does the music make you feel? Draw or write what you imagine while listening. Can you compose your own "troll music"?
Reading comprehension, creative writing, character analysis, dialogue, dialect and language variation
Scandinavia, climate and landscape, comparing countries, map skills, human and physical geography
Introduction to Norwegian vocabulary, pronunciation, comparing language families, cultural awareness
Voice work, accent and dialect, Grieg's compositions, role play, reader's theatre
Character illustration, Norwegian folk art patterns, book cover design, troll sculpture
Friendship, welcoming others, cultural respect, managing emotions, adapting to change
Download a free sample chapter to try with your class, or order the full book from Amazon.