The White Goblin

Rating:
Summary: A tale that speaks to our time.
Review: I was introduced to the story "the Rainbow Goblins" back in 1976 by my mother. To this day it is still a beautiful story that captures my imagination. Ul de Rico's sequel, "the White Goblin", is also a powerful tail, but for a different reason. In a time when we build large citys, destroy nature, and begrudge each other the air we breath, this story shows us the error of our ways. But contained within the simple and direct writing, and the stunning illustrations there is a message of hope. Please don't miss out on this wonderful, if more modern, work of art.

Rating:
Summary: A Disappointing Sequal
Review: This book is a sequal to The Rainbow Goblins, a truly beautiful and imaginative book which my two-year-old adores. The White Goblin has beautiful illustrations, but there are double page spreads followed by pages of just text, which a child will not like. The White Goblin raises a host of Cave Goblins from the ground and they build big cities and destroy nature. Its message is important but a bit preachy for children. It's just not as good. Alas!

Rating:
Summary: Not as Colorful as Its Predecessor
Review: This sequel to The Rainbow Goblins has artwork nearly as beautiful but the story doesn't compare. Children will probably not enjoy it because there is too much text in between illustrations and the subject matter is not very adventurous, rather on the dull side. The book actually is very lovely with the characteristic sweeping vistas, brilliant colors and attention to detail, and delivers an important message about the selfish, destructive incursions people and industry are making into the natural world, it's just that the tone is somewhat pedantic. The goblins who live beneath the earth are too creepy for my taste but then again they ARE goblins! I liked them in the vivid hues of the rainbow but in taupe and brown they look like larvae. The resolution of the story is a bit new agey which isn't necessarily a bad thing but again it may be too heavy for the enjoyment of a child.
If you loved The Rainbow Goblins this book will treat you to more of the exquisite art work of Ul de Rico and you will not want to miss this book, but if you are choosing it for the purpose of sharing with a child, your money would be better spent elsewhere.