I grew up watching the 1991 animated version of the Princess and the Goblin on repeat (so much so that the main song was going through my head while reading this book), and yet somehow I missed the original novel that it was based on... Reading the story was definitely a great trip down memory lane, but since this was an abridged version of the story I'll have to read the full novel to delve fully into George MacDonald's exploration of English folklore. The major creatures he draws on are goblins, clearly, but he utilizes lore specifically surrounding kobolds to draw out themes that speak to the British mining industry and its impact on the natural environment. Overall it was a fun read, even if the illustrations and condensed format made the story a bit less strong. ( )