THE GOBLIN AND THE EMPTY CHAIRby Mem Fox

First, let me say that THE GOBLIN AND THE EMPTY CHAIR is not just a cute book that's a good read-aloud. It is a book with a memorable story; a story with some real depth to it, and I am so thankful to be able to share this with my kids.

The story begins with a well garbed goblin, who upon seeing his reflection in still water, decides that he will hide his face away from the world forever.  And so he retreats.

What he cannot hide though, is his good heart; and when he sees a farmer breakdown one day, drop his tools and bury his head in his hands, the Goblin decides he must act.

"He dug where digging was needed. He chopped where chopping was needed." And "He painted where painting was needed. And was careful not to be seen."

And when shortly after the farmer's wife and daughter are overwhelmed by their burdens, the Goblin goes and does what needs to be done... quietly, and secretly. Or so he thinks.

**if you don't like spoilers you might want to skip to below the next image**

The book ends with the family sitting down for a meal. They look at the empty chair at their table. Without speaking the mother gets up and gets an additional setting. The daughter then goes and opens the door, and together they wait for the Goblin to join them. After some delay, he does, and then the little girl takes away the wrap that the Goblin has been using all these years to hide his face. Then they smile at one another and dine.

 

I hardly ever go into so much detail in my reviews, but I felt compelled to do so because this book has such as lovely message. What I told my son and daughter was that the Goblin hid away his face, but not his heart. He did good deeds and did not expect to be recognized and praised for them.  And this is how it should be.

And for their part, the farm family accepted the Goblin because his appearance was not nearly as important as his deeds and character. And this is also how it should be.

THE GOBLIN AND THE EMPTY CHAIR was a very, very good read-aloud. I read the book alone, but it didn't really come alive until I read it out loud.

Pam~

THE GOBLIN AND THE EMPTY CHAIR
by Mem Fox
Illus. by Diane and Leo Dillon

3.86 Stars from 159 Goodreaders

Reading Information:
Word Count: 452
Page Count:  32
Accelerated Reading level: 3.0 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 133853
Lexile: AD660L

updated August 2013