The story in one page
Prince Inga finds his island home of Pingaree suddenly under siege by marauding warriors from Regos. While his parents are taken into slavery, Inga joins forces with the gluttonous, laughing King Rinkitink and a remarkably grumpy talking goat named Bilbil. The trio navigates treacherous mountains and descends into the subterranean realm of the Nome King to rescue the captured royalty. Along the way, they acquire magical pearls that provide leverage against their captors. After navigating various traps and underworld politics, the survivors manage to liberate the island and host a monumental farewell banquet for their jolly, song-writing benefactor.
Who's who
- Rinkitink
A giggling, song-writing king who enjoys merry laughter.
- Inga
The young prince attempting to rescue his kidnapped parents.
- Bilbil
A talking, easily offended goat with high standards for royalty.
- Kaliko
The powerful ruler of the Nome King's underground caverns.
- Kitticut
The king of Pingaree who ends up working as a slave.
What it's really about
- Diplomatic merriment
- Laughter is a tool for navigating political crises.
- Material status
- Shoes and jewels define the worth of characters.
Why it's memorable
- A king weeping with laughter while his goat glares in stony, dignified silence.
- A goat refusing to listen to a song until it is addressed with respect.
The ending, explained
Spoilers — show the ending
Rinkitink sings a self-composed song of farewell to the islanders before sailing away on his golden throne. His companion questions the quality of the lyrics, though the sentiment remains perfectly intact.
For your book club
- The goat has higher social standards than the King.
- Magic is often just a shortcut out of a tactical blunder.