Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
Dorling Kindersley (1993), Edition: First Edition, Hardcover, 144 pages
Description
Hob, the friendly spirit who lives under the stairs and protects the house, must do battle with a variety of evil beings trying to take control of his family's home.
User reviews
LibraryThing member HippieLunatic
I was not overly impressed with this book, though there were certainly moments that I appreciated. The story of a Hob, and how he comes to help a family despite his lack of confidence (or memory) in himself is a fun read, and often lyrical in ways I would not have put together myself.
Though there
Just wasn't worth much more than that, in this reader's opinion.
Though there
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are moments that I wish the story would have progressed more quickly (and others where I wish Mayne had taken a bit more time to develop the story), all in all, it was worthy of a few nights of time, reading a bedtime story to my 18 month old.Just wasn't worth much more than that, in this reader's opinion.
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LibraryThing member Cheryl_in_CC_NV
Before Rowling (Dobby the house elf even talks like Hob) and before Gaiman (old magic in the modern world, as in American Gods and The Graveyard Book) there was this snip of enchantment. Begins on a bus route in today's London, refers to Wales (cutch), ends with the implied reminder that evil can
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never be completely conquered, anywhere in the world. It can be read by anyone who likes slightly creepy magic with a modern family and a ancient curse... and the brave little creature who will manage to save them from the goblins, their children, and their King. The illustrations are silhouette-style drawings formed to the initial letter of each chapter - perfect fit for the subject, style, and structure of the book. What is likely to interest some readers a lot, and possibly turn off others, is the language - it's almost like word-play, almost like poetry, and utterly bewitching. Show Less
Subjects
Awards
Notable Children's Book (Middle Readers — 1995)
Language
Physical description
144 p.; 9.21 inches
ISBN
0751370061 / 9780751370065
Local notes
Hob, an invisible house-spirit, moves in with the Grimes family: father, mother, sister, brother, and baby. Attempting to make a spooky old cottage cozy, the Grimeses are largely unaware of the evil forces that surround them. Hob, whose usual task is to combat everyday problems such as "floorshiver" or "plastercrack," is daunted at the prospect of standing up to the local witch, a horde of goblins, and the monstrous goblin king. However, he manages to acquire the necessary swords from the dwarfs and, along with the children, defends the family and their home.
Hob previously appeared in some picture books. The book also features a special Hob alphabet that neatly complements the spooky verbal imagery.
Hob previously appeared in some picture books. The book also features a special Hob alphabet that neatly complements the spooky verbal imagery.