THE SPOOKY EERIE NIGHT NOISE

Jenny hears something outside and imagines all kinds of spooky explanations until she and her parents decide to investigate

PreSchool-K-- Stylized drawings in muted colors convey eeriness as a young girl's imagination runs rampant and she hears spooky noises at bedtime. When her mother and father finally take Jenny seriously and investigate, they discover two hungry skunks eating pears fallen from the trees in the backyard. The rhyming text stands alone nicely and, when read aloud dramatically, produces a proper shiver or two. The imagined beasts and beings shown in the illustrations are quite innocuous for children accustomed to Sendak's wild things. The surprise ending may not withstand the request to "read it again" very many times, but this will satisfy those preschoolers just brave enough to ask for and endure a scary book. --Virginia Opocensky, formerly at Lincoln City Libraries, NE
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Jenny narrates a story of night fears and how they can get out of control. Soon after she is told to go to sleep, she hears an unusual noise in the backyard, and begins to imagine who or what may be lurking there. At first, her imaginings are modest: a space ship, a witch and an animal. Quickly, however, her leaps of imagination overtake all reason and she pictures a a plethora of crazy creatures with a variety of intentions. While Jenny frets, the creatures hoist a battering ram, preparing to invade the house. A subsequent investigation by Jenny's parents reveal a perfectly reasonable explanation. The unusual variety of language and well-paced use of rhyme add wonderful flavor to a simple and entertaining story line. Yalowitz's surreal pencil drawings are a treat; his use of controlled textures and values create unique perspectives and his nighttime landscape peppered with rare and unusual beings is truly inspired. Ages 4-7.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.