The Further Adventures of Gobbolino and the Little Wooden Horse

Gobbolino #2

by Ursula Moray Williams, Pauline Baynes

"Please come and help me, brother! Oh, please do! Oh, do! Oh, do!"

How could Gobbolino resist a plea like that, even though it came from his wicked sister, Sootica, the wicth's cat? It nearly broke Gobbolino's heart to have ti leave his new, comfortable life as a kitchen cat but, if Sootica was in trouble, he had to help her.

The road to the Hurricane MOuntains took Gobbolino and his steadfast friend, the little wooden horse, through many exciting and magical adventures - sometimes so dangerous that neither of them could be sure they would ever see home again!

Genres: Fantasy, Childrens, Animals, Adventure, Middle Grade, Cats, Classics

175 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

First published in 1984, long after Adventures of the Little Wooden Horse (1938) and Gobbolino The Witch's Cat (1942), this book brings the heroes of these two earlier works together. When Gobbolino, happily settled into his life as a kitchen cat, receives a letter from his sister Sootica, pleading for his help, he feels honor-bound to go to her aid. Meeting up with the little wooden horse on his journey to the Hurricane Mountains, Gobbolino finds a kindred spirit and a companion on his quest.

Together, the two friends encounter many dangers along their way, barely escaping from a pack of hunting dogs, and spending a night in a haunted church. When they finally reach their destination, they discover that Sootica longs to escape from her life as a witch's cat, and has concocted a plan to deceive her witch, using Gobbolino as her double. Although the little wooden horse strongly objects, Gobbolino agrees to his sister's plan, only to find himself trapped in the witch's cavern.

How Gobbolino and his friend freed themselves from the witch - who wasn't as bad as she might have been - and how Sootica discovered just what it was she truly wanted, make for a satisfying conclusion to this light-hearted adventure. All in all, I found that my reactions to the characters of Gobbolino and the little wooden horse remained the same as in the first two books, and that a cat makes for a more engaging and endearing protagonist than a wooden toy.

[Stefania · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet and enjoyable adventure!

[Riv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again: I LOVE these books. Perfect for all ages. This book was a wonderful addition to the original two books, bringing back some amazing characters. I'll admit, I was a little worried at first. Gobbolino and the Little Wooden Horse had so much in common! How would I differentiate between them? But it was quite easy. Although the similar, the cat and the horse are drastically different (though still very charming!).
Recommend to EVERYONE

[Wonderlake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up at a bookswap in kiddo's school, back when parent's were allowed to enter... Not sure if I thought I had read it myself as a child, or maybe it was just the cover of maybe even the "Young Puffin" logo that gave a pang of nostalgia.
A great contrast to prev read. - No Ballet Shoes in Syria. A welcome change to be in the company of some talking animals / wooden horse, their minor perils and easy solutions.

[Phaedon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've now read this whole series to my son. This is decidedly the best of the lot.

I seemed to observe evidence of the author's maturation. The characters weren't all so one dimensional. The protagonists were less insufferable. The plot was a bit more interesting.

Apparently it was written 40 years after the first instalment, an impressive accomplishment. All in all, it's a nice series to read to a young child.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really about a 4.2 for me. I had put off reading this after seeing some negative reviews; very glad I finally read it. Not for everyone; it's rather old fashioned and didactic, and yet the warmth of the friendship between Gobblino and the Horse as well as their love for their families made this heartwarming for me. It's drenched in emotion but that's okay. I bought a used copy and I think I'll look for a better one.

[Ramona Cantaragiu · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's written in the same style so if you liked the first one you should read this one too. Here Gobbolino tries to save his sister who decided that she also does not want to be a witch's cat anymore. However, she is still very mean and treats Gobbolino like crap so I did not like the happy ending that she received.

[Lucy Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such complex emotions, best crossover ever.

[LJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used to love reading this as a kid so it was a nice little cozy read to revisit it now and the illustrations are so beautiful!

[LudmilaM · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. So heartwarming and charming, celebrating friendship and pure goodness of heart. They don't write 'em like that anymore.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like 'Gobolino the Witch's Cat'
and you like 'The Adventures of the Little Wooden Horse then you'll love 'The Adventures of Gobolino the Witch's Cat and the Little Wooden Horse'

[Tanzeela · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book. I liked it more then the previous two surprisingly.