MS – The Hobgoblin’s Nightlight – middle school fantasy
Henley, April. The Hobgoblin’s Nightlight. Illustrated by Brian Brinlee. The Woodlands, TX: Bay Horse Press, 2025.
Guide to Categories – MS Review – review of books for older elementary-aged and middle school-aged children
Links in this post may be affiliate links. Purchases made using these links will not cost you more but may pay me an affiliate fee.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and related sites. Thank you for using my links.
Summary
When the Night Mares rear their heads, one hobgoblin has the light to stop them! Chandler is a hobgoblin who enjoys practical jokes. But one night, he comes across a living Night Mare, and though he saves the sleeping child, the Night Mare is not vanquished, nor is it the only one. Night Mares are hiding under all the children’s beds in the village, preying on their dreams. Will Chandler give up his mischief and use his magic for good?
From the author of the world’s first novel coloring book, Treasures in a Bottle, comes another beautifully illustrated story you can read and color! Includes 44 colorable illustrations and a charming fantasy story for children (and their parents)!
Purchase The Hobgoblin’s Nightlight on Amazon – https://amzn.to/4fZf4LA
My MS Review
I loved that Henley started the story with a physical description of the main character. Brinlee’s illustration perfectly matched the text.
I also liked that Chandler, the main character, changed from a practical joker to someone who actually helped others.
Henley uses some wordplay that I think both adults and children will enjoy – what is a nightmare anyway? Henley (and Brinlee) depict a nightmare as a Night Mare (a dark horse in the night). Henley seems to understand how young children think – literally in many cases.
The Hobgoblin’s Nightlight would make a good addition to a K-12 Christian school library. It is appropriate for elementary-aged children.
I received a complimentary copy of The Hobgoblin’s Nightlight. This is my honest review.
Read more MS Review posts
If you enjoyed this review, please hit the like button. This will help others find this review.
Check out my lists on Benable
Want to help support this blog? You can leave a tip here. Or make a purchase on Amazon with my link or shop in my Amazon Storefront.