The Goblin and the Empty Chair

This story is about a goblin who thinks he is so ugly that he hides his face from the world. He sees people that need help and goes and does their work for them when he thinks they are not watching. He does not know that the family does see him doing this good deed for them and they soon invite him into their home. They see past his looks and love him for what is inside. ( )

"The Goblin and the Empty Chair" is a story of an insecure Goblin who hides his face from the rest of the world in an attempt to spare them the sight of his ugly face. He meets a loving family who is accepting of who he is. It is a story of acceptance and love.

I cried all the way through this book the first time I read it. These insightful and amazing creators, the Dillons and Mem Fox, obviously understand grief. The description of this pain in each of the characters is so simple, so perfect, so exact: "The goblin saw the farmer/woman/child sigh, set down his/her tools/pail/book, and bury his/her head in his/her hands." Which is exactly what happens when faced with unbearable loss. The way that the Goblin is able to see and understand, and then, help each character in the way that was most meaningful to them was moving. In the end, kindness breeds kindness and all the characters receive healing. Gentle, insightful, sensitive. This book is a treasure. ( )

This is a story about a goblin who hides away in a castle away from everyone. One day he sees a family who needs help and he decides to help them being careful that they never see him. Little does he know the family does see him helping them. Eventually, the family invites him to live with them. I thought this book would be to read to students because it talks a lot about reaching out to others and helping those in need.

This book is not a very good example of a fairy tale. The author calls this book a fairy tale, but I am not sure how this can be true due to the fact that it was written recently and has not been passed down for years. It also does not have a strong conflict or story of good versus evil. It does have Goblins and the usual beginning of "A long time ago." However the book seems more like a modern fantasy, even though it takes place a long time ago. I think it is a confused book.

The main character in this book is the Goblin. He goes through a little bit of change but not a whole lot. He hides himself from the world, ashamed of how he looks, and in the end reveals himself. While he is embarrassed, he does have some wonderful qualities. He is giving, kind, and nurturing. He does what is right, even in pain.

Media: Ink and Wash and colored pencil