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Labyrinth: The Storybook Based on the Movie
Sarah's thoughtless remark that she wished the goblins would take her little brother lead her and the boy into the dangerous world of the goblin king.
56 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1986
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 22, 2021
I derive great satisfaction from collecting books. It was time to read my 1986 graphic story based on the film “Labyrinth”; bought so long ago, my recall of its provenance fizzled. As the first child without sibling guidance in popular music, I came to it later. When I did, my tastes reached wide, into lifelong fandom. David Bowie is a favourite artist. Can you imagine the thrill of him being out a film that was just right for my 13 year-old self? It seemed made for kids in texture and silly humour, via Jim Henson’s puppetry. However, it has a tone and intricacy of jokes, quest details, and set design that suit grown-ups even now. The music captured the right movie moods for audiences of all time and is memorably, magically superb.
Louise Gikow’s book is a summary of the film and as such, is only a collector’s item. My youngest brother, a fellow David fan, gave me the graphic novel sequel years ago. Now, I am caught up to read it. I am curious about who wrote it and what the story will be like. Its illustrator is Bruce McNally, who achieved an excellent lifelike job of the characters’ faces; animal, human, and puppet alike. Some fun facts are that the baby, Toby, is the son of the film’s set designer and the voice of Hoggle is the director, Jim’s, son. I spotted a cool detail: their film was released on June 27, 1986 in the United States: Toby’s second birthday!
“Labyrinth” is a destination for beings removed from you by a spell. A stepsister unknowingly casts it and does not give up on rescuing her brother. Sarah’s character is how I know Jennifer Connelly. I was delighted to recognize her in her Oscar-winning adult role, 15 years later.
Louise Gikow’s book is a summary of the film and as such, is only a collector’s item. My youngest brother, a fellow David fan, gave me the graphic novel sequel years ago. Now, I am caught up to read it. I am curious about who wrote it and what the story will be like. Its illustrator is Bruce McNally, who achieved an excellent lifelike job of the characters’ faces; animal, human, and puppet alike. Some fun facts are that the baby, Toby, is the son of the film’s set designer and the voice of Hoggle is the director, Jim’s, son. I spotted a cool detail: their film was released on June 27, 1986 in the United States: Toby’s second birthday!
“Labyrinth” is a destination for beings removed from you by a spell. A stepsister unknowingly casts it and does not give up on rescuing her brother. Sarah’s character is how I know Jennifer Connelly. I was delighted to recognize her in her Oscar-winning adult role, 15 years later.
May 7, 2010
I was the definition of a crazed nut when I got this book. I was 11 and always feel 11 when I read it. One of my very first books and is one of my all time favorites! When I was younger I used to watch the movie religiously and still own the VCR tape. It is a must have book for any age and every home library. I read this book to my nieces twice during a visit because they loved it so much.
One of my mottos of life came from Labyrinth which is, “What’s done dear is done.” I love it! I repeat those precise words at least once a day. I like most, find very few books and movies that are equal counterparts, this is one of the very few. The only thing this book lacks is the soundtrack but we can’t have it all.
My finale words,
You remind me of the babe. What babe? The babe with the power. What power? The power of voodoo. Who do? You do. Do what? Remind me of the Babe!
Gosh, I have to go read it again!
One of my mottos of life came from Labyrinth which is, “What’s done dear is done.” I love it! I repeat those precise words at least once a day. I like most, find very few books and movies that are equal counterparts, this is one of the very few. The only thing this book lacks is the soundtrack but we can’t have it all.
My finale words,
You remind me of the babe. What babe? The babe with the power. What power? The power of voodoo. Who do? You do. Do what? Remind me of the Babe!
Gosh, I have to go read it again!
August 14, 2011
A brilliant read based on the movie created by Jim Henson in the 80’s.
Sarah, a young teenager, was fed up of her younger brother getting all the attention and wished one night the goblins would come and take him away ‘right now’. Within an instance ‘Toby’ was gone and ‘Jareth’, the king of the Goblins allowed Sarah 13 hours to rescue him from the castle at the centre of the labyrinth. The story tells of her journey in to a mythical strange world where she meets various creatures along the way in her pursuit of her baby brother. Will she rescue Toby and bring him home or will he be turned in to a Goblin forever?
The movie I found rather weary however the book stood out to me more due to its amazing illustrations. The pictures took over most of the book and included great detail that wasn't included in the books text. It would help give the children a fuller understanding of the books events. The illustrator also added great interest to the book by using bright and dull colours to depict the mood of the story.
I would recommend this book to children aged 8-10 years. The illustrations would be a great conversation starter within the classroom and would help hold their attention span for longer.
Sarah, a young teenager, was fed up of her younger brother getting all the attention and wished one night the goblins would come and take him away ‘right now’. Within an instance ‘Toby’ was gone and ‘Jareth’, the king of the Goblins allowed Sarah 13 hours to rescue him from the castle at the centre of the labyrinth. The story tells of her journey in to a mythical strange world where she meets various creatures along the way in her pursuit of her baby brother. Will she rescue Toby and bring him home or will he be turned in to a Goblin forever?
The movie I found rather weary however the book stood out to me more due to its amazing illustrations. The pictures took over most of the book and included great detail that wasn't included in the books text. It would help give the children a fuller understanding of the books events. The illustrator also added great interest to the book by using bright and dull colours to depict the mood of the story.
I would recommend this book to children aged 8-10 years. The illustrations would be a great conversation starter within the classroom and would help hold their attention span for longer.
December 30, 2011
I remember getting this book in 1986 and reading it over and over. I pored over every illustration with awe. In third grade I even recreated the illustration of the "strange creatures who were able to take off their heads and toss them into the air", much to my teacher's dismay.
Now, 25 years after its release, this storybook retains all of its original charm, beauty and wonder. Bruce McNally's illustrations are fantastically detailed, the story worthy to be passed on to new generations and need I mention David Bowey...?
Now, 25 years after its release, this storybook retains all of its original charm, beauty and wonder. Bruce McNally's illustrations are fantastically detailed, the story worthy to be passed on to new generations and need I mention David Bowey...?
January 16, 2015
AHAHAHAHA! Excitement and Joy! I found it, I actually bleddy found it, hidden amongst my knitting patterns! I really thought I had lost this book. I am so happy to read this through again but this time with my daughter and son :)
June 1, 2024
Labyrinth is one of my favourite movies of all time and I feel this book is a lovely edition that sums up the entirety if the film.
I didn't feel as though anything was left out and was over the moon when I first read it.
Just brilliant.
I didn't feel as though anything was left out and was over the moon when I first read it.
Just brilliant.
November 11, 2014
I love the movie & I love love this book! :)
October 19, 2014
Perfect storybook with brilliant illustrations of the movie for young and old alike.
January 1, 2022
Years ago, when I was younger, I saw the film Labyrinth and became a little obsessed by it. I remember that most Christmastimes, it would be on T.V. and I would always watch it, protesting if my parents threatened a visit to grandparents instead of being able to see it (this was before we had a VHS recorder - god, I feel old!). This love of the film has stayed with me all through my adult life. But it has only been in the last 10 years or so that I realised that there were various different products related to the film; this was a more recent discovery.
This storybook is a simple retelling of the film. It is based on the film, so the main aspects of the tale are included here, but being a storybook for younger children, only the basics are covered. Gikow does portray Sarah as a rather selfish teenager, showing us some of the personal journey that she goes through, and a little of her character development. We also have all of the important characters from the film, such as Hoggle, Ludo and Sir Didymus. But, the ending is a little different and if you've seen the film, you'll notice that some of the quotes have gone ("Should you need us" being one of them). Due to this, this portrayal of the story doesn't have the same depth as the film, but that is completely to be expected given the format.
If you and/or your children do enjoy this tale, I would recommend you visiting the original. I hope that it brings you as much joy as it has for me.
This storybook is a simple retelling of the film. It is based on the film, so the main aspects of the tale are included here, but being a storybook for younger children, only the basics are covered. Gikow does portray Sarah as a rather selfish teenager, showing us some of the personal journey that she goes through, and a little of her character development. We also have all of the important characters from the film, such as Hoggle, Ludo and Sir Didymus. But, the ending is a little different and if you've seen the film, you'll notice that some of the quotes have gone ("Should you need us" being one of them). Due to this, this portrayal of the story doesn't have the same depth as the film, but that is completely to be expected given the format.
If you and/or your children do enjoy this tale, I would recommend you visiting the original. I hope that it brings you as much joy as it has for me.
September 9, 2018
A shorten version of the movie's story; it takes a slightly different slant at a few points, which isn't terrible. Is a enjoyable read. Also, is a nice storybook telling made for children (and adults alike). It is a beautiful adaptation, and the artwork is stunning. Glad to have it in my collection.
October 15, 2022
The illustrations are beautiful but the text itself is poorly adapted from the original screenplay.
January 5, 2012
I have two copies, one bent and worn and other to keep. I remember getting the Scholastic pamplet and waiting for the order to come through. Grade 3 I think, scratched my name inside. Huge fan of the movie, I was able to relieve it all without turning on the television. Wicked illustrations and who can resist Jareth? Great for all. I'd test the waters with some sensitive children. I know of few on my regular kids that I babysat were none too thrilled when the baby was taken; tears and end spoiler given immediately, weird feeling that somewhere Jareth cackled in delight!
January 16, 2016
Absolutely loved it, the flow of the story was spot on and the illustrations were just gorgeous. Louise Gikow put an interesting view on the movie's story, while being close to script there were added or even changed pieces of dialogue.
Brian Mcnally's artwork gave a new depth and texture to Jim Henson and Brian Fraud's magical world for me.
Cannot wait to share this pleasing storybook with my kids if I ever have the fortunate happenstance of obtaining a good copy.
Brian Mcnally's artwork gave a new depth and texture to Jim Henson and Brian Fraud's magical world for me.
Cannot wait to share this pleasing storybook with my kids if I ever have the fortunate happenstance of obtaining a good copy.
May 11, 2016
The text skips a lot of things - such as the Cleaners and Sarah meeting the wiseman with the bird hat - and reads more like a rather loose interpretation of the movie. It doesn't even include Sarah's famous "You have no power over me" line at the end - instead she screams that she loves Toby and Jareth is defeated "by the power of love", not by Sarah's strength of will. The art is really beautiful, though!
August 22, 2011
An excellent bedtime book that my kids an I like to read together!
April 3, 2017
Great artwork but the story is severely lacking. It has been so abbreviated that there's no interest or desire created to watch the actual movie. The movie is much, much better.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews