2019
WISE Score
Amazon
Hilda wakes up as a rock-munching troll, proving that identity crises are way more literal when you live in a world of Nordic folklore.
4.9
4.9View →Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)
This is the gold standard for modern children's graphic novels. It’s smart, visually breathtaking, and has an actual soul.
Unlike a lot of the 'fast-food' style books aimed at this age group, Hilda and the Mountain King respects a child's intelligence. It manages to be an epic adventure while remaining a quiet, intimate story about family. If your kid is into fantasy or just likes great stories, this is a must-buy.
Perfect for ages 7 to 11. It's sophisticated enough for middle-grade readers but the visual storytelling makes it accessible for younger kids who are strong readers.
At its heart, this is a story about the bond between a mother and daughter and the effort required to understand people (or trolls) who seem scary at first. It handles conflict with emotional maturity rather than just 'good guy vs. bad guy' tropes.
Luke Pearson’s world-building is top-tier. The blend of Nordic folklore, giant stone creatures, and the cozy-but-dangerous city of Trolberg is incredibly distinct and visually inventive.
It's a graphic novel for elementary kids. There is some mild fantasy peril and 'monsters,' but it's never gratuitous. No language or content concerns beyond the typical 'adventure' stakes.
It forces the reader to walk in someone else's shoes—literally. Hilda's transformation into a troll is a masterclass in teaching empathy and showing how fear often stems from a lack of communication.
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