Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Imelda and the Goblin King by Briony May Smith

Just so you know, I am in love with this book. I had to buy another copy for the library because I refused to give up my review copy. Hopefully I will not be turned into a worm for my greediness.

Also, this is not the best cover picture, it's just what I could find. There's actually a cool binding of gold leaves on the edge and the art is much more brilliant.

Imelda lives next to an enchanted wood and happily plays with the fairy folk there. Until one day, a mean bullying goblin arrives. The fairy queen tries inviting him to a wonderful feast; maybe he won't be so scary if someone is kind to him? Nope, still nasty. In fact, he's not just nasty but greedy and selfish as well! When the fairy queen remonstrates, he steals her so he won't have to share anything - not the feast, not the woods, and certainly not the throne. But Imelda has a plan...and lots of special berries...and the goblin king gets his comeuppance, once and for all.

Innumerable little creatures cavort across the pages in bright colors and silly attitudes. Anyone who enjoys poring over small details will love finding all the different fairies and fantastical creatures that fill the pages in hues from brown and red to green and yellow. Imelda is a perfect heroine, ordinary in her plain brown hair and dress, but determined and resourceful. I absolutely loved the ending - some characters just are mean and being nice to them doesn't help! Kids know this and will delight in the brisk justice of the conclusion.

Verdict: A fairy tale in the best sense of the word with villains and heroines, magic and fairies, and a satisfying ending. This will not only be a fun story for a magic storytime, but will definitely be a favorite for kids for years to come. Highly recommended.

ISBN: 9781909263659; Published October 20 by Flying Eye; Review copy provided by publisher; Purchased for the library

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