Goblins by Philip Reeve

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Scholastic, 2012. ISBN 978-1-407115-27-6
Highly recommended for 10+ years. Skarper is different from all the other fighting, squabbling goblins at Clovenstone. He is a thinker. It is thinking too much that results in him being catapulted from Blackspike Tower. This is when Skarper's life changes drastically, he escapes death and becomes involved with a variety of different characters both mythical and human. From his first encounter with Henwyn the cheese wright (who naively wishes to save princesses and fight monsters) to confrontations with trolls, cloud maidens and some very dodgy sorcerers, Skarper constantly moves from one incident to another.
All the characters and storylines become entwined together in the final exciting chapters. Everything has been leading to the discovery of the mysterious Lych Lord's rightful heir to the Dark Tower.
This is a skillful combination of fantasy and humour, a story that constantly delights. Quirky characters, witty one-liners and comic situations make this book a winner. It appeals from the fluorescent green front cover to the last page.
I have discovered that the Laika Animation Studios are making a 3 D stop motion animation telling Skarper's story. It is due to be released in 2013. I hope it does justice to the book.
Jane Moore

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