The Goblin and the Empty Chair is a 2009 children's picture book by Mem Fox and illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon.

It is a modern fairy tale, and is about a hermit goblin who observes a farming family that is so aggrieved (possibly due to the loss of a child) that they cannot carry out their daily tasks.

Reviews of The Goblin and the Empty Chair have been favourable with Publishers Weekly writing: "Acceptance and healing are less common picture book themes; Fox (Time for Bed) handles them with particular grace".

[1] Kirkus Reviews called it a perfect combination of words and images.

[2] The Goblin and the Empty Chair has also been reviewed by Booklist,[3] School Library Journal,[4] Horn Book Guides,[5] Library Media Connection,[6] The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books,[7] Magpies,[8] and Reading Time.