Goblins by Philip Reeve
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