Nobody Likes a Goblin
by Ben Hatke (Author)
Who likes a goblin? Not the farmer. Not the innkeeper. Not the elves. And especially not the adventurers. But do you know who loves a goblin? His friends. Goblin, a cheerful little homebody, lives in a cosy, rat-infested dungeon, with his only friend, Skeleton. Every day, Goblin and Skeleton play with the treasure in their dungeon. But one day, a gang of heroic adventurers bursts in. These marauders trash the place, steal all the treasure, and make off with Skeleton--leaving Goblin all alone! It's up to Goblin to save the day. But first he's going to have to leave the dungeon and find out how the rest of the world feels about goblins.
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Publishers Weekly
Hatke's hero is both homely and easy to love. Goblin is a stumpy figure with a toothy underbite and distinctive dietary preferences: "He gnawed on an old boot for breakfast, and he thought about the day ahead." But it's not an ordinary day; during a congenial visit with his best friend Skeleton, marauding adventurers sweep through Goblin's subterranean dungeon and take everything, including Skeleton. Goblin resolves to pursue them. "Be careful," warns his neighbor, a troll. "Nobody likes a goblin." It's true: humans and elves give chase ("a disgusting little goblin!"), but then Goblin finds some goblin allies who are impressed by the crown he's wearing (Skeleton let him borrow it), and together they rout the villains. Hatke (Little Robot) renders the characters' antic facial expressions, their fairy tale costumes, and the fantasy landscape with polished skill, and his story gallops along cheerfully with the clear prospect of a happy ending. Especially gratifying is Hatke's casting of reviled characters as heroes; without moralizing, he makes it clear that sometimes it's the most unassuming creatures who have the warmest hearts. Ages 4-8. Judith Hansen, Hansen Literary Agency. (June)
Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.School Library Journal
Goblin lives a simple life in his dark dungeon, counting bats and playing games with his friend Skeleton. But when a group of adventurers barge in to steal all of his treasure and Skeleton, Goblin must summon his courage to go find him. Overcome by the disdain of the villagers, who look down on him for being different, Goblin teams up with a group of fellow goblins to save Skeleton and drive the villagers and adventurers back. Hatke has created an unconventional adventure tale with a lot of heart and imagination; kids will cheer as Goblin is crowned king and finally finds a place among friends who understand him. Hatke's warm illustrations make the tale endearing and drive home the message of compassion and empathy. His goblins, trolls, and other monsters are adorable and friendly, while his light palette gives an affectionate and slightly medieval feel to the piece.
Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
Goblins
