Into the Goblin Market

by Vikki VanSickle, Jensine Eckwall (Illustrator)

Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

Built on the foundations of the classic poem from Christina Rossetti, this picture book reinvention retains all the goodness, all the warnings and all the eerieness. With an unintrusive rhyme and classic illustrations, it's a rewarding experience for any reader.

A picture book ode to Christina Rossetti's classic poem and a clever homage to familiar fairy-tale villains, this story about two sisters will enthrall readers with its beautifully detailed art and enchanting writing.

Millie loves her quiet life on the farm, but Mina longs for adventure.

When the Goblin Market comes to town, Millie knows it's a bad idea. They've been told stories their whole lives about the dangers of the Goblin Market. But Mina just can't resist . . .

When Mina doesn't come back, it's Millie's turn to brave the market to bring her home. She will use all her smarts and all her courage to try to outwit the goblins and save her sister . . . but will it be enough?

This gorgeous and intriguing tribute to both "Goblin Market" by Christina Rossetti and classic fairy-tale villains is also a story about the bond between sisters and a celebration of courage, intelligence and resilience.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780735268562
Publisher:	Tundra
Publication date:	07/30/2024
Pages:	48
Sales rank:	622,970
Product dimensions:	9.44(w) x 12.31(h) x 0.43(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

VIKKI VANSICKLE is the author of a number of acclaimed novels for children including Words That Start With B; Summer Days, Starry Nights; the award-winning The Winnowing; and picture books If I Had a Gryphon; Teddy Bear of the Year; and Anonymouse. Vikki started her career as an independent bookseller and worked in children's publishing for twelve years. In addition to writing, she curates and presents regular book segments for CTV Your Morning. Currently, she lives and writes in Toronto.

JENSINE ECKWALL is an illustrator whose clients include BUST Magazine, BOOM! Studios/Adventure Time, Boston Globe, Lucky Peach, New York Times and Nylon. She has illustrated middle-grade and adult novels, and children's books such as Almost a Full Moon by Hawksley Workman.

Editorial Reviews

04/08/2024

Intricately worked page borders and shadowy, woodblock-print-like artwork by Eckwall (Almost a Full Moon) create an eerie atmosphere for this tense verse tale about Mina—a risk-seeking girl who succumbs one night to the lure of the Goblin Market and its magical wares. Bespectacled Millie, Mina’s comparatively contented homebody sister, reads up on her quest before braving the market’s threats in search of her sibling (“The Goblins weren’t just fierce, but clever—/ It was a dangerous endeavor”). Once Millie passes the wolf just inside the market’s entrance, she experiences one chilling encounter after another as she uses the magic antidotes she’s brought to counter fairy tale menaces. “Come into my stall and sit./ To soothe your nerves, I’ll play a bit,” offers a piper whose song begins lulling Millie to sleep, until she stuffs wool into her ears and resumes her search. Rigorously metered couplets make the suspense easier to bear. Via an allusive, Christina Rossetti–tinged work that rewards clearheadedness and preparation, VanSickle (Anonymouse) creates a hero who won’t be cowed. Character skin tones reflect the white of the page. Ages 4–8. (July)

Publishers Weekly

"A gratifying, happy-ever-after tale of symbiotic sororal cleverness." —Kirkus Reviews

""A beautiful blend of classic aesthetics and modern sensibilities with a marvelous message of courage and love. . . . [A] bewitching book." —Booklist

"This is a deliciously spooky story inspired by Christina Rossetti’s poem ‘The Goblin Market' and classic fairy tales. It is perfectly matched with black and red block print-type illustrations. This will be a delight to read with children!" —Vicky Titcomb, Titcomb’s Bookshop, East Sandwich, MA

From the Publisher

2024-04-20
Two resourceful sisters narrowly escape the treacherous Goblin Market.

Drawing inspiration from European fairy tales and Christina Rosetti’s 1859 poem “Goblin Market,” VanSickle introduces readers to impulsive Mina and cautious, bookish Millie. When the goblins come to town, Mina, bored and eager for adventure, ignores the warnings about the market and sneaks off one night as Millie sleeps. Awakening to find Mina gone, Millie studies her books before setting after her. Shadowed by a mysterious wolf who meets her at the market’s gate, Millie searches for Mina. Employing the folkloric motif of threes, VanSickle pits Millie against goblins who offer her sweet apples, eerily enchanting music, and magically scented poppies. Resourceful Millie has brought bread to eat instead and wool to plug her ears. A timely gust of wind prevents the poppy-induced spell. Her search thwarted, Millie decides to return tomorrow, but the goblins demand payment. “Our magic gifts are not for show, / you have to buy before you go. / Otherwise you’re ours to keep.” But Millie soon realizes what has become of her sister—and finds a way to save her. VanSickle’s rhyming couplets scan well, and Eckwall’s red-accented black-and-white pictures and repeating botanical borders evoke classic children’s illustrations. Characters have skin the color of the page.

A gratifying, happy-ever-after tale of symbiotic sororal cleverness. (Picture book. 5-8)

Kirkus Reviews