Source: 1) the publisher in exchange for an honest review 2) local library
Release Date: June 7, 2016
Challenges: I Love Libraries | I Love Picture Books
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Blurb from goodreads:
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.
"Nobody Likes A Goblin" is super adorable, cute, and sweet. Goblin is a kind and friendly young goblin who, for unexplained reasons, lives away from other goblins. But he has his friend Skeleton. Until Skeleton is kidnapped by marauders, marauders who call themselves adventurers and see themselves as heroes. Hatke takes some traditional tropes of fantasy and fairy tales and turns them around. Who are the good guys? Who are the bad guys? Oh, and there are women as well as men included on both sides, a nice touch to see. Just as importantly though, will Goblin be successful in saving his friend?
Goblin meets enemies and allies in his quest and learns that some people DO like goblins and some people can't see past appearances. The story is sweet and the artwork is too, done in soothing pastels with unexpected little details here and there. It also gently teaches lessons about friendship, loyalty, and expectations. "Nobody Likes A Goblin" made me smile and laugh. I'll be suggesting that my school order a copy for the preschool classrooms.
I initially got this as an e-ARC but couldn't get it to open. Happily, my library had ordered print copies and I was able to get it after publication.
It sounds charming and I love the cover illustration! I'll have to see if my library has a copy. Not that I have kids to read it to, but I'm always up for a good picture book.
ReplyDeleteYou don't need kids to enjoy a good children's book. It's a charming book but I like Hatke's stories so no surprise there. :)
DeleteAbsolutely! In fact, I just checked Jane Yolen's Sing a Season Song out from the library, because we loved Owl Moon.
DeleteWhen I saw the charming cover on NG I requested it but was declined. My daughter loves reviewing children's titles with me and I think she would love this one, so glad you recommend it! I will be sure and suggest it to our librarian. :)
ReplyDeleteIt was the cover that initially got my attention. Happily, the story lived up to the cover. I hope your daughter likes it, when she gets to read it.
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