

A sweet and funny picture book about a grumpy troll that discovers love can be shown in many ways and isn’t that bad after all. Grumble the troll doesn’t understand why humans like to show affection with icky things like sticky sweets and flowery cards. All he really wants is to be left alone. But when the village of Sweetbriar Ridge surprises him with a Valentine’s Day gift of solitude, Grumble is forced to reconsider his hatred of love. Maybe it doesn’t totally stink? And maybe love looks different for every one! From Katrina Swenson and Charles Santoso comes a humorous and heartwarming story that reminds readers to be thoughtful and intentional about how they express their love.
Charles Santoso (Chao) loves drawing little things in his little journal and dreaming about funny, wondrous stories. He gathers inspiration from his childhood memories and curiosities he discovers in his everyday travels. He has illustrated several picture books, including The Snurtch and I don’t Like Koala—both written by Sean Ferrell, Ida, Always—written by Caron Levis, which was mentioned in the New York Times as “an example of children’s books at their best,” Peanut Butter & Brains—written by Joe McGee, and Penguin & Tiny Shrimp Don’t Do Bedtime—written by Cate Berry. Also a New York Times bestseller Wishtree by Katherine Applegate and A Boy Called Bat by Elana K Arnold.
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