Imelda and the Goblin King

Blending a 1970s palette with an aesthetic that feels right at home with contemporary indie comics, Smith makes an assured debut as she brings a fresh look to an old- fashioned story of fairies, goblins, and comeuppances. Her heroine, Imelda, spends her days with the fairies who live in the nearby woods. With her bare feet, dirt-smudged face, peasant frock, and kind spirit, Imelda comes across like a cousin to Snow White, had she settled in with fairyfolk and been less concerned with tidying up all the time. Casting a pall over everyone’s fun is the local Goblin King, as grouchy as he is greedy. After inviting the king to the fairies’ solstice celebration (“Dress code: smart casual”) leads him to kidnap the Queen of the Fairies, Imelda uses bravery and ingenuity to save the day and become the Queen of the Goblins in the process—proof that “happily ever after” isn’t one-size-fits-all. Imelda’s mettle, the Goblin King’s transformation from toothy grump to helpless earthworm, and a closing reconciliation between Smith’s feathery-winged fairies and goblins make for an all-around satisfying read. Ages 5–7. (Oct.)