Goblin

This, the second of the author’s Stories from the Swamp features a very selfish Goblin who despite seemingly having everything is never satisfied. He spends his time searching for trinkets and trash, even resorting to stealing items from passers-by. Eventually though, one night after another of his greed-satisfying rampages, Goblin feels completely empty inside and it’s a feeling that he hates. Then he looks up into the sky and spies something that makes his heart sing: fireflies making the darkness come alive with their little bright lights. Briefly the whole world seems perfect but then that terrible ‘I want’ returns and Goblin thrashes around until he captures a single firefly. He puts it in a jar and sets off home but on the way, the firefly’s spark grows ever dimmer whereas the capturer’s anger grows ever stronger.

Suddenly up the hill come three familiar creatures as Goblin holds up the jar. They stop and what happens between the four changes Goblin’s values completely. He realises that kindness and friendship are where true happiness lies.

This heartwarming rhyming story contains a vital message about what is important in life: it’s not material things but positive relationships. Stefano Martinuz’s illustrations bring the drama to life with lots of action and details. I love the way Goblin’s mood is reflected in the dark and sombre tones as his hoard increases, contrasting with the brighter colours of scenes following his enlightenment heralded by the fireflies and his friends’ wise words.