TROLL TEACHER

Elizabeth’s new teacher is obviously a troll—the blue, hairy legs, long green nails, surly manner and utter ignorance (“ ‘Two plus two equals seventeen. . . . The capital of New York State is Bolivia’ ”) are dead giveaways. But every adult, from parents to Principal Boynik (“ ‘An excellent teacher. . . . Lucky we could get her’ ”) is in heavy denial, even when the evidence stands right before their eyes on Ice Cream Social Night. When Elizabeth tries to tell her folks, they respond in typical adult fashion. “ ‘Where does she get that?’ ” says Dad. Figuring out at last that the way to a troll’s heart is through its cast-iron stomach, Elizabeth brings in a filthy sock for “Miss Turtledove” to chew, sending her into such a giddy state that she slings Mr. Boynik over her shoulder and bounds away. Enter a substitute—with fangs, bright green skin, and a bat hanging from what is obviously a witch’s hat. Auch lightens the tone with cartoony scenes of anxious looking children, blandly smiling grownups, and a grimacing, purple-haired teacher clad in a series of hilariously unflattering outfits. No sign of Miss Nelson in this school, but every kid will recognize Elizabeth’s predicament. (Picture book. 6-8)