Nobody Likes a Goblin

Starred review from March 14, 2016
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. Agent: Judith Hansen, Hansen Literary Agency.

Starred review from April 15, 2016
A small goblin finds courage when he defends a friend.Bug-eyed, green Goblin with his toothy underbite lights torches, feeds rats, and plans to hang out in his dungeon for the day with his Very Best Friend, Skeleton, who has a crown. But the ominous sound of "boots on stone" announces adventurers--light-skinned and medieval-garbed with a full-figured warrior woman in the lead--who come roaring into Goblin's home to steal all the books, treasure, and worst of all, Skeleton. Shaken, Goblin sets out "into the wide world" to get his friend back, but his troll neighbor cautions, "Nobody likes a goblin." A farmer with a pitchfork and a gang of elves prove quite serious in their antipathy. Themes of loyalty, courage, and friendship nicely complement the lively sense of danger. Diagonal lines invest each page with motion; full-color art with entertaining details--look for the small dragons on the rocks and for the kidnapped goose and girl on the adventurers' cart--pulls readers in to the story. When a company of goblins asks our hero, still wearing Skeleton's crown from before, "Are you the Goblin King?" he thinks a moment before responding "Yes....yes, I am." Young readers will find themselves cheering Goblin on--he may not be lovely, but his sense of friendship and his loyalty are convincing and appealing.Endearing and entertaining: what's not to like--or love? (Picture book. 4-8)

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May 1, 2016

PreS-Gr 2-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.

May 1, 2016
Preschool-G Odds are you've never met a more affable goblin than the little green-faced figure in Hatke's (Julia's House for Lost Creatures, 2014) newest picture book. The story opens with an average morning in the dungeon. Goblin does some chores, feeds the rats, and goes to visit his friend Skeleton in the treasure room. But then came the sound of boots on stone. Suddenly, a hoard of adventurers storms the dungeon, making off with all its contents, including Skeleton. Without wasting a moment, Goblin rushes outside to rescue his friend. Along the way, he meets a mountain troll, who warns him to be careful because nobody likes a goblin. Unfortunately, this turns out to be true, and soon a string of people (and elves) is in hot pursuit of Goblin. Hatke's inviting ink-and-watercolor artwork softens the dangers facing Goblin and is filled with details that bring this charming fairy-tale adventure to life. Preschoolers will delight at the twists and turns of this friendship story and its happily-ever-after finish.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)