Review by Jocelyne Gregory
Tundra Books, Penguin Random House, July 2024
24 pages, Hardcover, $24.99 CAN, 9780735268562
Picture Book, 4-8 years old
Fiction, Fantasy, Poetry/Verse
For many years, a wicked band of goblins has traversed the land.
Selling magic goods and charms that only lead to tears and harm.
Against the goblins, few can win – and that is where our tale begins…
And so begins Into the Goblin Market, written by Vikki Vansickle and illustrated by Jensine Eckwall. Vansickle’s rhyming style immediately brings the reader into the story of Millie and Mina-dear, two sisters with two very different views on life. Mina and Millie’s differences continue with their appearances: Mina’s design resembles a heroine from a story like Alice from Alice in Wonderland complete with a trademark red bow, while Millie is dressed in boots, pants, and always has a book nearby. Mina wishes to see and experience more of the world while Millie is content with her household chores and milking cows.
When Mina leaves for the Goblin Market and doesn’t return, Millie dons her red cloak and sets out to find her. Ready to face the worst, Millie doesn’t shy away from the dangers as she faces the tricky and magical world of the Goblin Market. Using her wits, Millie will do everything to save her dear sister Mina and bring her home safe and sound.
Eckwall’s art style is reminiscent of woodcut prints with vibrant splashes of red and carved black shadows readers would find in books of European fairytales. Eckwall’s style fits and enhances this tale of two sisters. The usage of light and shadows further draw the reader in. There are even a few easter eggs to be found in the illustrated pages: a reference to Alice in Wonderland, and an homage to the Moomins. Eckwall’s style is deliciously detailed from the starry night sky down to the forested path that lines the road to the Market.
Fans of Disney’s Frozen and classical fairytales would enjoy Into the Goblin Market, as would admirers of woodcut art style and artists wanting to explore with colour, shadows, and light. Into the Goblin Market is a true rhyming fairytale that will appeal to many readers, especially those looking for a story with a strong focus on the power of sisterhood.
Jocelyne Gregory is a published author and holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia, and a creative writing certificate from Simon Fraser University The Writer’s Studio. She lives on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, Canada. She can be found at jgregoryauthor.wordpress.com.
YOUNG ADULTING 