The Goblin Twins

At 601 years old, Doki and Kebi are considered babies to the other dokkaebi, a cross between a goblin and spirit with a penchant for tricking humans. Despite the fact that they are twins, the pair could not be more different. For instance, Doki is averse to frightening people, much preferring to give them gifts of gold or silver and enjoy his three abandoned books. Kebi, meanwhile, arguably adores frightening people a bit too much. After learning that they must leave their home, Kebi resists moving into graveyards with their fellow dokkaebi and insists that they find the most haunted house in New York City. They leave Seoul, searching high and low for the perfect home and eventually find a dwelling that is perfectly suited to both of their tastes. Then they prepare for Halloween. The story's comical conclusion is a frightful delight as the duo participate in the holiday. Cha's writing is excellently paced and entertaining, while the digital illustrations are filled with bright colors and bring the charming characters to life. A concluding author's note describes the prominence of dokkaebi in Korean art, history, and folklore, dating back to 37 BCE. VERDICT. Doki and Kebi will find a home in any collection. Recommended for purchase.—Olivia Gorecke

At 601 years old, two goblin twins, considered by other dokkaebi as "babies, and very silly ones, too," are quite different from each other. Orange-hued with a single horn, Doki "did not like scaring people," preferring to offer gifts and to read books. Blue, two-horned Kebi "liked scaring people a bit too much. And he loved to explore," Cha writes. Learning that the abandoned house they live in will soon be demolished, the twins head for a place where people visit haunted houses desiring to be frightened--and land in New York City. Portrayed with intensely saturated color that adds depth and dimensionality, Kim's digital illustrations of the siblings' house-hunt supply movement and humor to their ongoing debates over what kind of new home to choose and how to decorate for Halloween. It all leads to their amusing final reaction to a horde of trick-or-treaters. Based in Korean lore, this read's a treat any day of the year. An author's note concludes. Ages 3-7. (Sept.)

"A sweet, comical Halloween venture for all." - Kirkus Reviews