Monday's Troll

If you are twelve or under, you have probably read -- and memorized -- at least one poem by Jack Prelutsky. He has written more than thirty books of verse, edited several enormously popular anthologies (and been extensively anthologized himself), translated a number of books, and is always at work on the poems for at least three future books. He has lived in Boston, Albuquerque, and Manhattan, but he says he is now happily settled in the Seattle area. Among his most popular books are The New Kid on the Block, Something Big Has Been Here, The Dragons are Singing Tonight, and Monday's Troll.

Prelutsky sings, narrates and dramatizes his poems as he performs a medley of rhymes about mythological creatures. The musical accompaniments, ranging from bluegrass to folk songs, complement both the poetry and the performer. Prelutsky's diverse, strong and emotionally changeable voice easily meets the challenge of multiple characters. He seems to have an endless variety of personalities, from trolls to wizards, with lots of variety in between. Timing the lines for the most effect, Prelutsky adroitly sets the pace for each poem, ensuring the full effect of humor and enjoyment. P.A.J. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine