GOBLIN BOOKS
In honor of the goblin trio making their debut on the last episode of Saffron and Peri, I thought it might be fun to list some of my favorite goblin book.
Jim Henson's Labyrinth: The Novelization: Do you like the movie Labyrinth? Of course you do. It probably started my love of goblins in the first place. Maybe yours too. I’m not usually a fan of novelizations, but I did love this one. And it has concept art and notes from the movie, which is a great bonus.
Goblin representation: mischievous and wonderfully designed.
Outside Over There by Maurice Sendak: The book that inspired Labyrinth! It’s about a girl called Ida, whose baby sister was kidnapped by goblins. As with all of Maurice Sendak’s work, the art is absolutely gorgeous. It’s worth a revisit as an adult, for the insights to Ida’s life that you may not have noticed as a child: Her absent father, her distant mother, the weight of responsibility placed on Ida when she just wants to do fun childhood things like play her horn.
Goblin representation: Creepy and secretive
The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald: An old one but a fun one. The style may seem a bit dry to modern audiences, but I’d still say it’s enjoyable. And as is the case with many older fairy stories, it influenced a lot of fantasy writers that came after, like Lewis and Tolkien. The goblins in this book are outright villains, who have a plot to kidnap the titular princess, but they sure do make interesting villains.
Goblin representation: evil and hate the concept of toes
Grimericks by Susan Pearson: Like it says on my DevianArt profile, I like rhymey things! This is a book of fun limericks all with monster themes, and there are several good goblin ones in there. The illustrations are by Gris Grimly, who excels at drawing all manners of spooky creatures. I was lucky enough to have Sara read the poems aloud to me, so I can tell you first hand that this is a book made for reading out loud.
Goblin representation: Rhymey and well-drawn!
Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti: Christina Rossetti is one of my favorite poets. The narrative poem is about two sisters, and about how one day, despite all the warnings, one of the sisters is tempted into eating goblin fruit. The effects of goblin fruit are disastrous on humans, and many interpret the poem as a metaphor for drug addiction. The version I have is illustrated by Arthur Rackham, but I think originally it was illustrated by Christina Rossetti’s brother Dante Gabriel Rossetti.
Goblin representation: Do not trust!
The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There by Catherynne M. Valente: Anyone who knows me knows that I am a BIG fan of Catherynne M. Valente. This book made my list because of an excellent goblin market scene, but it is the second book in a series. To properly enjoy it, I’m going to have to insist that you read the first book in the series, The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making. It’s a wonderful series, you’ll love it.
Goblin representation: good at haggling
Nobody Likes a Goblin by Ben Hatke: Another picture book makes the list! This one is too adorable for words. It’s about a little goblin who lives in a treasure filled dungeon with his best friend, Skeleton. One day, a gang of adventurers (who can’t seem to mind their own business) rush into the dungeon and steal all the treasures. Including Skeleton! Goblin must now go on a quest to rescue Skeleton, but he doesn’t get much help along the way, because as the title says, Nobody Likes a Goblin.
Goblin representation: SO CUTE
The Goblins of Labyrinth by Brian Froud: “Jenan,” I hear you sigh. “Another Labyrinth book?” I’m sorry, I tried to resist! But I love this book. You’ve probably seen some of the pages I’ve taken pictures of for the tumblr. I just love all the goblin design and the fun descriptions of all of them! My favorite page might be the one where they describe the very dangerous art of goblin knitting. Anyway, great for art lovers and fans of the movie Labyrinth.
Goblin representation: very diverse!
Honorable Mentions:
The Harry Potter series has a bank run by goblins, as most of you probably already know. It wasn’t included because they were a relatively very minor detail in a series very rich in world-building.
The Hobbit has a great goblin scene, but with a less sparkly Goblin King. (I’m thinking of saving this book for when I make a dragon book list)
Courtney Crumrin and The Night Things has very well-draw goblins which I really appreciate from an artist’s point of view, but I didn’t really enjoy the stories. I’m thinking of maybe giving it another chance and checking out the next book in the series.
Snuff is a Terry Pratchett book which I haven’t gotten to yet (I’m still on the second book of the Night Watch series) but it’s most likely hilarious and fantastic.
Beyond the Deepwoods is a personal favorite of a friend of mine, but I think I discovered this book when I was at the wrong age group. Maybe others would enjoy it, though.
I am very tempted to include a couple of other Labyrinth books I’ve liked, but I think I’ve done enough for one day.
Happy Reading!
- Jenan