Common Sense Media Review
By Jan Carr
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Outcast goblin proves courageous in mythic adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In NOBODY LIKES A GOBLIN, Goblin starts his day by lighting torches, feeding rats, and gnawing on an old boot for breakfast. When he goes to visit his best friend, Skeleton, in the Treasure Room, a marauding band of "adventurers" storm the dungeon to plunder the treasure. Goblin isn't naturally courageous -- he hides quaking under his bed until the intruders leave -- but when he discovers that they took Skeleton as well, he puts on Skeleton's crown and sets off to find him. His journey takes him past his troll neighbor, whom he vows to help, and he's chased by a farmer with a pitchfork and an inn full of elves, who call him "a filthy goblin" and "a disgusting little goblin." With the help of a cave full of other goblins who see his crown and assume he's their king, Goblin saves Skeleton and others and chases off those who would harm them.
Is It Any Good?
With beautifully detailed fairy tale art and a lowly but lovable goblin as hero, this picture book takes the reader on a captivating adventure that celebrates friendship and pluck. The fantasy world is unusual for a picture book, Goblin is cute and appealing, and the book celebrates and rewards his admirable character traits. The story's also laced with light humor. When the cave of goblins see his crown and ask Goblin if he's Goblin King, "Goblin thought a moment. 'Yes,' he said. 'Yes, I am.'"
Some elements might be scary or jarring for younger readers: a skeleton, fierce chases, and some ugly name-calling. A buxom female captive in a low-cut blouse and skirt is shown chained on a cart carrying the adventurers' spoils, but later she chases her captors. The book serves as a rich and friendly introduction to fantasy, transporting young readers to an imagined world and to the sort of story they'll devour when they're older.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about name-calling. Why do the farmer and elves call Goblin "filthy" and "disgusting"? Do you think he is? Why do you think they don't like him?
What does Goblin do in the story that shows good qualities such as courage, loyalty, and perseverance?
In this story, goblins, elves, trolls, skeletons, ghosts, and dragons live alongside people. How many can you find in the art?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Ben Hatke
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : First Second
- Publication date : June 7, 2016
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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