The folktale of “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” is given a fresh flair with understated illustrations in muted tones by Jon Klassen and the subversive humor of Mac Barnett’s writing. Their retelling honors the Norwegian origins of the clever goat brothers’ story, while punching up the drama of the hungry troll beneath the bridge. “Who seeks to reach the grassy ridge? Who dares to walk across my bridge?” asserts the ridiculously nasty troll as each Billy Goat Gruff dares to pass. While the troll’s demise will not be a surprise, the humor of his goat recipes (“Goat smoked, goat poached, a goat pot roast. / Goat smorgasbord! Goat smeared on toast!”) will delight readers and begs to be read aloud. Highly Commended, 2023 Charlotte Zolotow Award ©2022 Cooperative Children’s Book Center (Ages 4-8)