'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Monday 28 July 2014

Review: Scary Night

Once upon a scary night, three friends set out on a journey. Hare, Cat and Pig wander through the darkness. Where are they going? What will they do there? Will they arrive safely or will the scary forest send them running back home before they can complete their journey?

Do your little ones enjoy a story with a little bit of suspense and a slightly spooky edge? Do they like to cuddle under the covers, tucked up safely against your side as they hold their breath in anticipation of the turn of the page, filled with a mix of apprehension and excitement? Scary Night is the book for them (and for you)!

With illustrations by the always popular Stephen Michael King, Scary Night is the perfect tale for young children who like to take a journey as they read before they arrive, safe and sound, at the final pages.

The debut picture book for  Australian author Lesley Gibbes, Scary Night has just the right amount of suspense to give young children the thrill of reading something a little bit spooky without actually scaring them at all. The story conveys a real sense of mysterious adventure as Hare, Cat and Pig set out on their journey and the text offers lots of wondering moments to further build the suspense with sounds effects and spooky whispers.

I loved reading Scary Night. The characters have a wonderful sense of personality thanks to the charming illustrations and the rhyming text draws readers into the story, building the tension until Hare, Cat and Pig arrive at their destination. What do they find behind the door at the top of the stairs at the end of the path after their journey through the pale moonlight? You’ll have to read the story to find out!

Title: Scary Night
Author: Lesley Gibbes
Illustrator: Stephen Michael King
Publisher: Working Title Press, $24.99 RRP
Publication Date: July 2014
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781921504631
For ages: 3 - 7 
Type: Picture Book