Kids' Place

Ghouls and Goblins

I enjoyed Ghoulish Song by William Alexander.  Kaile lives in Zombay where goblins are real, and music keeps things together. It is baking inspection day and Kaile foolishly allows a goblin troupe to set up their performance in the bakery her family owns. Mishap ensues, but the leader of the troupe gives Kaile a bone flute.  Kaile wants to be a musician like her grandfather.  But when she plays the flute, it only plays one song and that song separates her from her shadow.  In Zombay, someone without a shadow is considered dead.  Kaile must discover where the flute came from and somehow reattach her shadow. But a flood is coming and the music that holds the bridge together is weakening. This story is both funny and creepy and I recommend for kids in grades four on up.

   In the companion book, Goblin Secrets, Rownie is the youngest of the orphans living with Graba the witch.  His older brother Rowan disappeared after performing in a play. It is forbidden in Zombay for citizens to wear a mask, only Goblins can be actors. Rownie runs away with a traveling troupe of Goblins who will teach him to perform. Graba is unwilling to give him up and she, her children and her pigeons are hunting them.  And the flood is coming. More mystery, adventure and humor to enjoy and you can read the books in any order.

~ Susanne, South Hill YS Librarian