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The Rainbow Goblins #1
The Rainbow Goblins
After seven goblins try to steal it, the Rainbow is careful never again to touch the earth.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1978
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
September 28, 2016
* * * Read and reviewed with my niece Emma * * *
The very idea of reading this book had Emma racing to finish her math and grammar homework, so that we could get to reading time.
It must have sounded like a promising read, I think because of her love/hate relationship with goblins. You see, we've built forts for heroes (us) and created dark blanket caves as a lair for goblins (usually pillows). We've then made valiant sorties from the fort into the goblin lair with our Dollar Store swords and armor to take back the plastic coins stolen from us by the goblins. These adventures are epic, frightening and exciting to my niece, who loves playing this game...provided I go first into the goblin lair.
So here we have a wonderfully illustrated book about a touchstone subject in my young niece's life. Add to it that this particular brand of goblin likes to drain the color from rainbows so that they might drink the procured colorful liquid, and what you have is an entirely engrossing book for this particular 7-year-old reader.
The story is solid. Seven goblins go on a quest for rainbow sustenance. How will the rainbow save itself from these evil doers? It may need a little help from its friends.
The real attraction to this book are the fantastic illustrations!
They're absolutely captivating! We spent more time looking at the pictures than reading the book. However, the whole package put together made for a terrific reading time experience for the both of us!
The very idea of reading this book had Emma racing to finish her math and grammar homework, so that we could get to reading time.
It must have sounded like a promising read, I think because of her love/hate relationship with goblins. You see, we've built forts for heroes (us) and created dark blanket caves as a lair for goblins (usually pillows). We've then made valiant sorties from the fort into the goblin lair with our Dollar Store swords and armor to take back the plastic coins stolen from us by the goblins. These adventures are epic, frightening and exciting to my niece, who loves playing this game...provided I go first into the goblin lair.
So here we have a wonderfully illustrated book about a touchstone subject in my young niece's life. Add to it that this particular brand of goblin likes to drain the color from rainbows so that they might drink the procured colorful liquid, and what you have is an entirely engrossing book for this particular 7-year-old reader.
The story is solid. Seven goblins go on a quest for rainbow sustenance. How will the rainbow save itself from these evil doers? It may need a little help from its friends.
The real attraction to this book are the fantastic illustrations!
They're absolutely captivating! We spent more time looking at the pictures than reading the book. However, the whole package put together made for a terrific reading time experience for the both of us!
July 30, 2018
The story is a bit too short, but fascinating. You cannot deny the beauty of the illustrations. This is a book I will continue to read to the little ones.
March 24, 2008
Totally 70s trippy book. Old school Disney should have made a movie out of this one.
June 18, 2011
Wow this book is listed! I don't know how we got a copy, who gave it to my husband, but I thank them from the bottom of my heart. I discovered it's magic when Jake was very young, and for some reason I've been thinking of it lately, haven't seen it for 10 years ago. I hope I still have it and didn't give it away in some mad frenzy of clean up! THis is a book to sit quietly and slowly contemplate unique and richly saturated art work. There's a story there too, rather grim like Grimm, and it all is so transporting.
February 6, 2025
It's Children's Authors and Illustrators Week, so I decided to reread my favorite children's book.
The Rainbow Goblins is captivating with vibrant paintings detailing the journey of the seven rainbow goblins as they set out to capture the rainbow and drink it down till they're full to bursting with the bright colours they so crave.
A storm is brewing, but can the rainbow escape the goblin attack, or will its brilliance be lost to the world forever?
The Rainbow Goblins is captivating with vibrant paintings detailing the journey of the seven rainbow goblins as they set out to capture the rainbow and drink it down till they're full to bursting with the bright colours they so crave.
A storm is brewing, but can the rainbow escape the goblin attack, or will its brilliance be lost to the world forever?
August 26, 2025
I found this through a Primus album called the desaturating seven. the art in this book is extraordinary, the detail in every page is a joy to look at. I recommend giving this book a quick read and, if you feel like listening to some really funky complicated bass lines, listen to the Primus album too
May 28, 2007
As a child, as an adult I feel the magic from this book.
Read
May 2, 2017Very nice paintings, apparently they are 'oil on oak.' Listen to Masayoshi Takanaka when you read it.
September 13, 2018
I discovered this book because it turns out that there are multiple concept albums inspired by the Rainbow Goblins, including by Primus and Masayoshi Takanaka.
November 29, 2018
A timeless picture book classic with breathtaking illustrations.
January 16, 2024
Seven came slaking their wretched thirst
Desaturating colors 'til bellies burst
Desaturating colors 'til bellies burst
June 26, 2025
I read this because I'm a fan of the Primus album that's based on it ("The Desaturating Seven"). I wish I'd discovered it when I was still teaching. It's an interesting story with incredible artwork. Good for anyone who can appreciate a good fairy tale.
April 20, 2023
WOW! This book would've given me the most vivid nightmares as a kid but like in a really cool camp sorta way. The illustrations go so hard and the story is so silly and fun. Would def read this again
February 14, 2010
This astonishing book is filled with oil paintings on oak panels, which are reproduced about 2/3 of the original size. They are breathtaking.
I was pretty much obsessed with rainbows in the 70s, and I bought this incredibly beautiful book when it first came out - I read it a million times. The story tells of 7 evil goblins who capture rainbows and drink the colors. They learn of a valley where the rainbow is born, and they go there to gobble up the final, beautiful rainbow. They shelter in a cave and the roots of the plants, hanging from the cave walls, overhear the goblins wicked plans. The flowers capture the colors as the rainbow is born, and the goblins get nothing but tangled in their own ropes. When they can't untangle themselves, the flowers return the colors, and the goblins drown in what they came to steal. The rainbow, in gratitude, turns the flowers into birds and butterflies - and she becomes more cautious, never actually touching the ground again. I loved this book, and then, in the strange course life takes, I lost it. I never forgot about it, though, and I did buy a much smaller edition. Magically, now, this book has come back to me - and I don't mean another copy of it. My own, beloved and much read copy, sheltered for nearly 30 years by an old friend. Now, even more precious . . .
I was pretty much obsessed with rainbows in the 70s, and I bought this incredibly beautiful book when it first came out - I read it a million times. The story tells of 7 evil goblins who capture rainbows and drink the colors. They learn of a valley where the rainbow is born, and they go there to gobble up the final, beautiful rainbow. They shelter in a cave and the roots of the plants, hanging from the cave walls, overhear the goblins wicked plans. The flowers capture the colors as the rainbow is born, and the goblins get nothing but tangled in their own ropes. When they can't untangle themselves, the flowers return the colors, and the goblins drown in what they came to steal. The rainbow, in gratitude, turns the flowers into birds and butterflies - and she becomes more cautious, never actually touching the ground again. I loved this book, and then, in the strange course life takes, I lost it. I never forgot about it, though, and I did buy a much smaller edition. Magically, now, this book has come back to me - and I don't mean another copy of it. My own, beloved and much read copy, sheltered for nearly 30 years by an old friend. Now, even more precious . . .
October 26, 2008
Synopsis
Beautiful artwork accompanies this story of seven golbins in search of a delicious rainbow only to be outwitted by the flowers. Through this experience, the rainbow learns to never touch the earth again.
Review
First and foremost, the artwork in this book is stunning. It is a reproduction of Ul De Rico's original art which was oil paints on oak panels. The colorful and powerful art is so carfully rendered that the wood grain can be seen on the pages.
The lyrical narrative matches the panoramic images. And the text and pictures work well together to tell a story and sweep the reader into another world. The amount of text on the pages and high reading level make this a great book for an adult to read with a child or to use in a storytime. The only caveat is that book is a little long for younger kids and some of the pictures might be a little disturbing for very sensitive kids.
Critical Reviews
No critical reviews available.
Other Bibliographic Information
Published in 1978 by Mitchell Beasley Brothers Limited
Pages: 30
Ages: 5-9
Beautiful artwork accompanies this story of seven golbins in search of a delicious rainbow only to be outwitted by the flowers. Through this experience, the rainbow learns to never touch the earth again.
Review
First and foremost, the artwork in this book is stunning. It is a reproduction of Ul De Rico's original art which was oil paints on oak panels. The colorful and powerful art is so carfully rendered that the wood grain can be seen on the pages.
The lyrical narrative matches the panoramic images. And the text and pictures work well together to tell a story and sweep the reader into another world. The amount of text on the pages and high reading level make this a great book for an adult to read with a child or to use in a storytime. The only caveat is that book is a little long for younger kids and some of the pictures might be a little disturbing for very sensitive kids.
Critical Reviews
No critical reviews available.
Other Bibliographic Information
Published in 1978 by Mitchell Beasley Brothers Limited
Pages: 30
Ages: 5-9
December 15, 2020
I dare you to read this book and not think of classic animated stories like the Hobbit, The Last Unicorn, or The Black Cauldron, or even life actions like Legend. It encompasses that feeling so well, and the story would happily sit on shelves next to them. The goblins are out. They feed on color, but one valley is going to make sure they never lose their color or their rainbows to goblins. This book is originally from 1978 and this edition from 2001. This story feels the 42 years old that it is, and it might confound modern picture book audiences. But for those born in the same year, you just might find a new story among what were childhood favorites.
#Wintergames #teamreadnosereindeer +16
#Wintergames #teamreadnosereindeer +16
February 5, 2008
The most beautiful book that I have ever read, The Rainbow Goblins was essential bedtime reading for young Lolo from the tender age of 3 until such time as I managed to begin sneaking flashlights under the covers and reading until dawn. I still have my copy of this, as frayed and battered as it is, and still turn to it quite regularly.
September 5, 2012
Loved the book. Most stories these days leave out good versus bad. I love how this book defines both clearly, fun to read with your kids.
July 5, 2015
one of my favorite kids books ever. as a bonus, the illustrations are amazing.
September 12, 2016
Childhood fav.
May 5, 2018
Drop-dead gorgeous art.
December 6, 2021
The artwork is stunning!!
Want to read
October 27, 2019I'm a sucker for rainbows....
December 29, 2021
So...they straight up murder the goblins? And that's a good message? But the art is pretty...
November 3, 2023
The greedy Rainbow Goblins love to drink the colors from rainbows, and their appetite has no end. But, when the flowers decide that enough is enough, they, and Rainbow, will never be the same.
The main thing you should know about this book is that when I say the art is unforgettable, I genuinely mean it. Color is expertly wielded, sure, but there is also drama, cinematic scope, and landscapes dotted with the tiniest details. In fact, it's so cinematic--I'm astonished it hasn't been made into a movie or short yet.
The Rainbow Goblins is where fantasy meets allegory meets hallucination--but in a good way? (So much so that it inspired an entire album of music by both Primus and Japanese jazz fusion musician Masayoshi Takanaka.)
The first time I saw this book, I was hanging out as a preschooler at my mom's friend Diane's house. Diane didn't yet have kids, but she loved gorgeous picture books and had a small stash that I was allowed to look at while they caught up, so long as I was super careful. I don't know how old I was, but it was before I had learned to read, so I really just read the pictures. This one was a particular favorite, and it's no surprise why--there was so much to take in!
From the striking cover (I mean...really...does it get better?) to the opening title page that only as an adult did I realize to be a Last Supper kind of thing, to the characters themselves--Indigo, in particular, is a fan of mooning the reader, while Orange and Red seem to be a couple--it is just. so. extra. Even the endpapers are showstoppers--hand paintings that mimic marbling, all pouring from botanical-painting-level flowers (I mean...who does that?)
In his book bio, Ul de Rico refers to himself as "Count Ulderico Gropplero di Troppenburg" (Was he really a Count? Who's to say?). One thing that IS undoubtedly true is that he also dabbled in the movies, including design contributions to The Neverending Story, which checks out.
In researching this book, I discovered a sequel, The White Goblin, was also made--which I will now have to scheme into my hands somehow. 😊
The main thing you should know about this book is that when I say the art is unforgettable, I genuinely mean it. Color is expertly wielded, sure, but there is also drama, cinematic scope, and landscapes dotted with the tiniest details. In fact, it's so cinematic--I'm astonished it hasn't been made into a movie or short yet.
The Rainbow Goblins is where fantasy meets allegory meets hallucination--but in a good way? (So much so that it inspired an entire album of music by both Primus and Japanese jazz fusion musician Masayoshi Takanaka.)
The first time I saw this book, I was hanging out as a preschooler at my mom's friend Diane's house. Diane didn't yet have kids, but she loved gorgeous picture books and had a small stash that I was allowed to look at while they caught up, so long as I was super careful. I don't know how old I was, but it was before I had learned to read, so I really just read the pictures. This one was a particular favorite, and it's no surprise why--there was so much to take in!
From the striking cover (I mean...really...does it get better?) to the opening title page that only as an adult did I realize to be a Last Supper kind of thing, to the characters themselves--Indigo, in particular, is a fan of mooning the reader, while Orange and Red seem to be a couple--it is just. so. extra. Even the endpapers are showstoppers--hand paintings that mimic marbling, all pouring from botanical-painting-level flowers (I mean...who does that?)
In his book bio, Ul de Rico refers to himself as "Count Ulderico Gropplero di Troppenburg" (Was he really a Count? Who's to say?). One thing that IS undoubtedly true is that he also dabbled in the movies, including design contributions to The Neverending Story, which checks out.
In researching this book, I discovered a sequel, The White Goblin, was also made--which I will now have to scheme into my hands somehow. 😊
April 11, 2024
I became familiar with this book through the albums that have been inspired by it: both Primus's The Desaturating Seven and Masayoshi Takanaka's The Rainbow Goblins. I was on the fence about purchasing it because I knew it would be short, which inherently makes it feel less "valuable" to me.
But when I opened the very first page, I was breathless. The art is absolutely gorgeous. I found myself lost looking at every page—the beautiful sunsets, the meadows with countless butterflies and flowers, each one done in exquisite detail. Every page is genuinely so pretty to look at. Apparently the original paintings were done at three times the size, and while I'm saddened that they had to be shrunk so much I do still think they show incredible detail.
The story of the Rainbow Goblins is admittedly much less... profound? I get that as a children's story it will obviously be a little more simplistic, and with that metric in mind I'm sure it does just fine. I do appreciate some of the vocabulary this book uses. I'm not sure what the intended range is but I always have respect for books that don't look down on children or treat them as dumb. This book isn't afraid to use a rich vocabulary and word set.
I don't have kids but I'm still really glad I got it. I think it's important that kids are exposed to art, so I think it's a great read for anyone with children.
But when I opened the very first page, I was breathless. The art is absolutely gorgeous. I found myself lost looking at every page—the beautiful sunsets, the meadows with countless butterflies and flowers, each one done in exquisite detail. Every page is genuinely so pretty to look at. Apparently the original paintings were done at three times the size, and while I'm saddened that they had to be shrunk so much I do still think they show incredible detail.
The story of the Rainbow Goblins is admittedly much less... profound? I get that as a children's story it will obviously be a little more simplistic, and with that metric in mind I'm sure it does just fine. I do appreciate some of the vocabulary this book uses. I'm not sure what the intended range is but I always have respect for books that don't look down on children or treat them as dumb. This book isn't afraid to use a rich vocabulary and word set.
I don't have kids but I'm still really glad I got it. I think it's important that kids are exposed to art, so I think it's a great read for anyone with children.
November 26, 2024
I think I might have liked The Rainbow Goblins as much as Jimmy did, maybe more. Watching Jimmy’s rollercoaster of emotions was part of the fun. He started off sympathising with the goblins (they did work hard to get there), but he loved the pages of when the flowers turned into butterflies and birds, and he was all in with them fighting back. We kinda agreed you cant just take the whole rainbow for yourself.
The illustrations are absolutely breathtaking, every page a work of art. I told Jimmy the story doesn’t end here, so now I’m on a mission to find The White Goblin.
And flipping through this book with Takanaka’s The Rainbow Goblins playing in the background is just Magic.
The illustrations are absolutely breathtaking, every page a work of art. I told Jimmy the story doesn’t end here, so now I’m on a mission to find The White Goblin.
And flipping through this book with Takanaka’s The Rainbow Goblins playing in the background is just Magic.
January 19, 2022
I picked up this book after checking out the Primus album Desaturating Seven which was based upon it and I found it to be every bit as colorful as promised. The paintings are as vibrant as I could have hoped for and are represented at approximately one-third scale, so it’s easy to see how accomplished the artist was. As for the story, it’s said to be aimed at ages 3-5, so there is nothing scary in it that I was able to notice. Like many children’s picture books what the text lacks in detail and scope must be perceived through the illustrations and though the story itself is brief it ends with a fable type ending and it displays a great deal of respect for the natural world getting there.
July 22, 2022
I had this book as a very young child (it was published in the US in 1978, so I would have been 4 or 5) and I remember spending **hours** gazing at the breathtaking illustrations and reading the fairy tale about goblins that steal the color from rainbows. Really, these are some of the most gorgeous pictures you will ever see in a children's book (or in any book!). I'm so glad the book is still around - I happened across it at the library and of course had to revisit it. It totally holds up. I'd love to see the original oil paintings; a note at the end of the book states that the reproductions are about one-third the size of the originals.
Read
July 22, 2023recommended by Travis Stever (yes the guitarist)
Beautiful paintings. And unlike most picture books, the originals are huge oil on oak paintings. Which really does bring something special to it.
We know I love goblins. I do prefer them not to be automatic bad guys though (first thought when making a dnd character is always "can this one be a gobbo") But especially with a book of the 70s, of course they're 100% evil.
Their fate is just written so brutally compared to the colourful beauty of the rest of the book.
So the goblins drowned in the colours they had come to steal,
and no one in the Valley wept for them.
Beautiful paintings. And unlike most picture books, the originals are huge oil on oak paintings. Which really does bring something special to it.
We know I love goblins. I do prefer them not to be automatic bad guys though (first thought when making a dnd character is always "can this one be a gobbo") But especially with a book of the 70s, of course they're 100% evil.
Their fate is just written so brutally compared to the colourful beauty of the rest of the book.
So the goblins drowned in the colours they had come to steal,
and no one in the Valley wept for them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews