As endearing as it is adorable.
Looking for a new bedtime story, young Liam and his mother decide to make one up. His mama pulls out a flashlight and they make use of shadow puppets to bring to life their story about a goblin, a witch and a flea. The flea, named Bree, craves friendship and acceptance, even if it is from a smelly old goblin and a menacing-looking witch. But not everybody is inclined to cultivate a friendship with a bespectacled flea, no matter how cute the pest may be. Looking for some peaceful alone time, the witch casts a spell to get rid of both the flea and the goblin. Instead of banishing them, the witch becomes entangled with the goblin and flea in a menacing tree’s powerful roots. Bree is afraid of losing her friends but feels too insignificant to help. But the great tree hears Bree’s pleas and they are released to safety, happy to have such a courageous little friend.
Filled with personal growth opportunities for impressionable young readers, The Goblin, the Witch and the Flea is as endearing as it is adorable. With his cherubic face and vast imagination, Liam is a memorable character who will form a lasting impression in the minds of children. While the story features a spell-casting witch and a hairy goblin, the author does a wonderful job creating a non-threatening environment in which families can safely enjoy a whimsical world, and this lighthearted and tender tale features a valuable message of acceptance at its core. For a read-aloud book, the fluid pace and tempo and the silly rhyming words are a fun treat to enjoy. From rich, colorful illustrations to a warm finish, The Goblin, the Witch and the Flea is sure to bring contentment and joy to children’s hearts.
