Night Wall Book

In a little house in a big forest, Julie and her sister Sarah are on vacation. Vacations are times to relax, but Julie has brought along all her fears. Find out what happens when Julie tries to block out the scary things lurking in the woods by building a wall around the cottage. The mysteries of nature and the night are captured in richly detailed forest scenes evocative of the work of Maurice Sendak, as Sarah shows her older sister where the monsters really live.

Children's Literature

Julie and Sarah leave the busy city for a relaxing stay in the country. Julie is an adult and Sarah is her young cousin. During the day the two girls enjoy hiking through the woods near their cabin. As evening falls, however, Julie becomes increasingly anxious. The next morning she calls several contractors and insists that they immediately install a wall outside the cabin. That evening many cartoonish-looking monsters appear outside the wall and slowly, they lurch forward. Since the wall isn't working, Julie calls the contractors to have it removed. Only after the wall is torn down do the monsters disappear. Despite her young age, Sarah comforts Julie and helps her to control her fears. The illustrations in this book are extraordinary. Realistic-looking pictures are combined with fantastical elements and presented from unusual angles. The resulting visual effects are stunning. Although the story's concept may be too advanced for many younger readers, the unique and creative illustrations will capture and sustain the attention of all. Reviewer: Denise Daley