The Frost Goblin

by Abi Elphinstone, Fiona Woodcock (Illustrator)

“The deepest frost has the power to rekindle hope in anyone who’s lost it…”

In Bertie Crash-Wallop's noisy family, it can sometimes feel like there is no room for a quiet boy like him. But when Bertie meets a family of goblins on the night of the deepest frost, is it possible he might make some magic and discover his own place in the world?

Join Bertie and the Frost Goblins on an exciting adventure in this beautifully moving story by the bestselling author of Sky Song and The Unmapped Chronicles, Abi Elphinstone, and renowned illustrator Fiona Woodcock. The perfect book for frosty winter's nights and cosy Christmas mornings. 

Also by Abi Elphinstone & Fiona
The Snow Dragon

Praise for The Snow Dragon:
'stunning, dreamlike illustrations, whisking the reader into a sparkling, icy landscape where you'll believe almost anything is possible' - Daily Mail
'A lovely longer-form picture book full of atmospheric wonder.' - Metro 
'Bewitching illustrations and tender words combine to tell a story of bravery and hope.' - i Newspaper

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fantasy

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2022

About the author

Abi Elphinstone grew up in Scotland where she spent most of her childhood building dens, hiding in tree houses and running wild across highland glens. After being coaxed out of her tree house, she studied English at Bristol University and then worked as a teacher.

THE DREAMSNATCHER is her debut novel for 8-12 years (published by Simon & Schuster in 2015). THE SHADOW KEEPER is her second children's book (published by Simon & Schuster in 2016).

When she's not writing, Abi volunteers for Beanstalk, teaches creative writing workshops in schools and travels the world looking for her next story. Her latest adventure involved living with the Kazakh Eagle Hunters in Mongolia…

Reviews

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as an audiobook

4.75 stars

I've read two books by this new author and I think I'm going to make her middle grade a priority in the coming months. The Frost Goblin didn't hit me quite in the feels like The Snow Dragon, but it was still cute, atmospheric, and whimsical. If you were ever "the quiet one" in your family, not as loud and content with your own company most of the time, you will appreciate this picture book for that fact.

I particularly love the message of The Frost Goblin in regards to magic. How it "finds" people at the right time, when they need it most. Also, it adds something to the Jack Frost myth, but with goblins instead. A mythical creature, in my opinion, underrepresented in literature.

[Isa (Pages Full of Stars) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful, whimsical story! I wish I listened to it earlier, because it would be perfect for the Christmas evening.

I've read three other books by Abi Elphinstone before (two novels and one shorter book) and her stories are always highly imaginative and magical. There's just something about them that makes me want to read more and gift them to all the kids that I know :)

I truly recommend this one for Christmas / winter! It not only has beautiful writing and fantastic imagery, but also a good message at its heart.

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a beautiful and heartwarming story.Bertie feels alone and unheard in his loud family consisting of his triplet sisters and his parents, until he meets Ada and they go on an adventure to spread the frost before sunrise. Berties loneliness struck chord with me and i was feeling very emotional.It shows that even the voiceless and smallest can make a difference.
i did not expect such a short book to evoke so many emotions.i absolutely recommend this book to read aloud to children and to adults as well.

[Claire Booksnink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Final rating 4.5 this book was beautiful and I really enjoyed the heart warming story of a boy finding his place.
This is a great story for Christmas time and I wish I had seen it beforehand.
Ben Miller does a fantastic job with this book and it made the experience even more enjoyable.

I love Abi's writing and this really was a cute story

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a most beautiful story! I loved the idea of the story and the story telling combined with the magical illustrations makes this a perfect winter read - grab the hot choc!

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely heart warming story incredible art, perfect for the festive season 🎄

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

My nieces favourite - her choice of audiobook on our car journey. I really enjoyed it 😂 audiobook was about 35 minutes long and it went by so fast

[Mabearbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This heart-warming book is both beautifully written and illustrated. It's a whimsical story about the magic of family and of belonging.

[Jason C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute but long

[Shiela Laramore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harry and I read this over a couple of nights and we both loved it. Such a sweet story, beautifully written, with gorgeous illustrations.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 4.5

(This gets an extra half star for the narration - so good.)

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute

[Melanie Pienaar · Rating 5 out of 5]

AUDIO - I read this at the beginning of the year and loved it. Now I remember why. Such a magical, comforting story. Bertie feels invisible in his loud, boisterous family. He slips out of the one night and meets a family of Frost Goblins. They spread the deepest frost, but inexplicably lose their magic. It's up to Bertie and their daughter Ada to save the day. My favourites:
❤️ "Being quiet makes you a good listener."
❤️ Frost magic giving hope to wobbly hearts
❤️ Ada waiting for adventure each midnight. And FINDING it.
❤️ The adult goblins trusting the wisdom of the frost. And Bertie and Ada