The short story that started it all, has been reprinted as a second edition!
This short adventure by John W. LaCroix written thirty years ago introduced the Nobby character, as well as the fearsome troggs and doogles. The setting is at Christmas time when Princess Emily hosts a party for her cousins in Le Grande Chateau Castle. Great uncle, Lord Norbert, drops by for a surprise visit and tells a story that unwittingly would set the stage for the entire new Thistledom series that begins with volume I, Thistledom: A Kingdom is Born. Though no longer directly related to the series by the story line, Troggs & Doogles in Thistledom is a great primer for 2nd and 3rd graders who are anxiously waiting to learn so much more about the amazing history of the Nobby Kingdom of Thistledom hidden somewhere in the land of the Mitten.

Designed for young children, this coloring book contains descriptions as well as cartoon representations of the characters from Thistledom, Volume I. The children will enjoy seeing the characters that they are reading about.

Volume II of this five-part series of juvenile fiction builds on the love story of Zygmunt and Irene. Their lives create the cast and character that forms the face and fabric of the growing Kingdom of Thistledom still hidden somewhere in the Land of the Mitten. We hoped that their legacy would last forever, but that depends now upon others finding and nurturing those precious “seeds.” Their sons, Bo and Theodore, forged and shaped the early kingdom. Their power and vision seemed limitless. Life like the seasons, however, does run in cycles. Incredibly, within the span of two short years, these two pillars fell. Thistledom lost its Nobby Master and its King. Fear shattered Nobby hearts filling the Land with dark days and ominous shadows. Volume II is an engaging, thought provoking sequel. While it spans only two generations, young King Alec and Queen Deidre win our hearts as they struggle to raise a fragile Princess Kire and robust Prince Adelbert amidst the most difficult and dangerous problems Nobbies have faced to date. The discovery of a mysterious manuscript in the old Thistleville Tavern  reveals important tidbits of lost history and introduces critical clues to a forgotten Nobby past. A cast of wonderful new characters add great depth and meaning to the developing picture of Nobby life as the marvelous story of Thistledom continues to challenge and captivate young-at-heart fiction readers of all ages.

Author John LaCroix continues to tease and thrill our imagination as he draws us deeper into the growing complexity of life in Thistledom. Powerful new personalities, vivid scenes, haunting events, and a series of new discoveries on DuBois Mountain begin to alter the shape and direction of the Kingdom. Under the unexpected reign of King Urich and Queen Audrey, the Royal Family, itself, faces unique challenges as the storyline dips, twists, and turns like the amazing maze of caverns discovered within the mountain. King Urich’s administrative skills and charism bring great benefits. His son, King Isidore, will head a growing Royal Family and preside over the Golden Age of Thistledom – a special time when the grand legacy of Thistledom stood in full bloom.  However, nothing lasts forever. As we learn about the deeds of famous ancestors, discover the sources of great works of art in the castle, we will also relive a dark night of terror and triumph when Troggs and doogles crossed the moat, breached the outer walls, and stormed the castle. King Paul will eventually restore order and prosperity, but natural forces beyond his control set the stage for a new beginning. Following more accounts of deep family anguish and courageous feats of heroism, an astounding revelation rapidly alters the course and complexion of Thistledom forever. Queen Julia learns answers to her many questions, but in the process, uncovers scores more. Her reign is a pivotal point so broad and significant in Nobby history, it will ultimately redefine and reshape the nature and boundaries of the entire Kingdom of Thistledom.

The epic Tale of Thistledom, however is far from over.  An evolving relationship with Troggs introduces new challenges involving much more than a mere friendship alliance. Longer term, Queen Julia knew a growing Trogg population jeopardized the security of the entire Kingdom.  Their need for food and shelter was a serious problem. Yet, she knew that King Paul had set the rule long ago: “I’m going to help the Troggs because they live in our kingdom. It is the king's responsibility to protect all who live in the kingdom.” As often happens in life, a problem in one area leads to answers in another. A search for lost miners uncovered the entrance to a huge cavern beneath DuBois Mountain. Soon, others were found. Over the next five cycles, mapping revealed an extensive network stretching for chesters in all directions. Water was diverted from Black Lake to form streams, and a lighting system installed.  Excited Trogg leaders established underground villages and Nobbies built their homes. Queen Julia’s reign added greatly to the wealth and complexity of Thistledom.

Book V reveals the full glory of Thistledom as Nobbies and Troggs live together to build an incredible hidden kingdom. It is a place of grace, harmony, and laughter as children play freely with doogles and the great gentle woobies who gladly shoulder the heaviest burdens. After much work over scores of cycles, the five provinces of Thistledom are finally connected by an amazing labyrinth of caverns and caves. Although most citizens now live within spacious vaulted cities, many still prefer the longstanding underground villages that had served them so well for so many generations. It was such a comfort, however, to know that safety for every citizen was nearby just below the surface, and that travel throughout the kingdom was secure and free from the harshest elements. Commerce and art flourished as citizens gave full rein to their ingenuity and talents. The age of virtual learning was over. The work pace became hectic.