Goblin in the City
on Goodreads (21)
What’s inside...
Goblin in the City follows the adventures of a curious and mischievous goblin named Gobu as he navigates the bustling streets of a human city. Along the way, he encounters new friends, faces challenges, and learns valuable lessons about friendship and acceptance. This heartwarming and humorous tale is perfect for readers of all ages. Meanwhile, Gibblewort the goblin thinks he is on the way home to Ireland until he gets thrown out of a mail van into the middle of a busy, bustling city. He soon finds himself in all sorts of trouble as he searches for the gray clouds, squelchy rain, and icy breeze he loves so well. Can Gibblewort get himself out of this mess and back to his beloved Ireland before it's too late?
Age
7-12
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the goblin felt when he first arrived in the city, and why?
How do you think the goblin's experiences in the city compare to his life before? What are the differences?
What are some of the challenges the goblin faces, and how does he overcome them?
How do the characters in the story show kindness or misunderstanding towards the goblin?
If you were in the city with the goblin, what would you show him or do together?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on the feelings and reactions of the goblin as they read, prompting them to consider how they would feel in similar situations.
Discuss the concept of unfamiliar environments and how one might feel adapting to a new place, paralleling the goblin's experiences.
Invite your child to discuss any moments in the book that stood out to them, particularly moments of challenge or triumph for the goblin.
Ask your child to imagine their own ending or continuation to the story, fostering creativity and deeper engagement with the narrative.
Highlight the importance of empathy and understanding through the characters' interactions with the goblin, discussing real-life applications of these themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Adapting to new environments
Explanation: In 'Goblin in the City,' the protagonist, Gibblewort the goblin, finds himself unexpectedly in a bustling city far from his quiet swamp. Throughout the book, he learns to navigate and adapt to this unfamiliar urban landscape.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of flexibility and resilience when faced with new situations or environments, whether it's moving to a new school, city, or just visiting unfamiliar places.
Example Lesson: Understanding and accepting differences
Explanation: As Gibblewort interacts with diverse city inhabitants, he learns that despite their differences, everyone has something unique to contribute.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate diversity and fosters an inclusive attitude towards classmates and new acquaintances who may seem different from them.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and resourcefulness
Explanation: Faced with challenges in the city, Gibblewort uses his wits and resources available to navigate tricky situations, showing clever problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think creatively and use the resources at hand to solve problems, whether in their academic work or in social settings.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: During his city adventure, Gibblewort realizes the importance of friendships and starts valuing the new relationships he forms.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of building and maintaining friendships, teaching children to cherish and rely on their friends in times of need.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Gibblewort makes many mistakes as he tries to get back to his swamp, but each misstep teaches him something valuable about the city and himself.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to view mistakes as learning opportunities and not be discouraged by setbacks, fostering a growth mindset.