Night Animals by Gianna Marino, what a hilarious and beautifully designed romp through the very “scary” night woods.
Only the whites of their eyes show on the black end pages and set the stage for the “dark” story to come.The premise that night animals are afraid of the dark is a very funny concept which becomes funnier and funnier as smaller night animals meet up with bigger night animals who are all quivering in fear of the darkt. The composition and layout of each spread is absolutely dynamic and captivating. Gianna Marino does a brilliant job of moving your eye from left to right and talk about page turns! Ohhhhh, I can just imagine kids picking up all the subtle humor and feeling like they’re in on the “big secret”. That these silly critters are all just scaring themselves!
There is even a very inconspicuous ‘vapor’ behind the skunk when he gets scared which keeps causing the poor possum to play possum.
There is a subtlety to Marino’s artwork that when juxtaposed against the stark black really makes her animals pop and come to life.
Everything about this book stands out. From the bold contrast of the black negative space, to the simple, amusing, and easy to read dialogue. And even though the designs are sharp and sparse, the detail and emotion that Gianna Marino captures in her characters is full and powerful.
Whose afraid of the dark? Kids will absolutely love everything about this witty book. Hmmmm…. I did too!
Thank you!
What a fun way to handle fear of the dark!
Hi Linda! Yes, very clever! Thanks for commenting!
The artwork is so striking! This looks like a charmer. (And sorry about the technical glitch–thanks to you and Joe for working it out . . . hopefully!)
Thanks, Linda. Hope it’s fixed???? And my sincere apologies to everyone for the multiple emails and the mis-timing.
Oh, my. I have to get my hands on this book. Thanks of much for telling me about this one.
You’re very welcome, Rosi!
This looks like a fun, bedtime book but…bring a flashlight! 🙂
It would be fun to read with a child that way, Andria, great idea! And—- spoiler alert—-there is a flashlight at the end!
Can’t wait to read this one. Thanks for sharing it!
You’re welcome, Kris!
This looks SO darling! Just requested it from the library. Thanks so much!!
Hi Joanne, hope you like it!
This book was so hilarious–I absolutely loved the illustrations! The opossum was my favorite–so sweet! Thanks, Jennifer 🙂
Hi Maria, I’m glad you enjoyed it, too! Lots to look at even though it appears ‘sparse’ 🙂
What a perfect marriage of art and text, as well as style and substance. Congrats!
Hi Carole, I agree, she did an amazing job! Thanks for visiting!
I have to get this! Thanks for bringing it to my attention, Jen!
ooooooohhhh I think you’ll like this one, Jill!
This is one I want to read!
Hi Quinette, what a pretty name? Thanks for commenting and I hope you enjoy the book!
This is a great book. The story is simple but it is spot on and the illustrations are hilarious. I liked it so much I made my 16 year old daughter read it – she laughed as much as I did.
I’m glad to hear you liked it so much, too, Marilyn, thanks for visiting!
I loved this book!
Yay! Thanks Cindy!
Oh gosh, this book looks absolutely delightful! I must add this to my collection and send one to my niece.
Hi Alexandra! The sign of a perfect picture book—- it appeals to both kids and adults!
Love love love the humor in this book and the dialogue!
Jennifer! Thanks so much for your lovely comments on Night Animals!
Gianna Marino
Hi Gianna! I’m so glad that you found this post so that you can read all the love for your wonderful work. Amazing job, congratulations! I’m a fan and will be anxious to see what you do next. 🙂
I am crazy about this book. 🙂
This looks terrific. I love the art and the concept!
I often direct my son’s reading according to you recommendations. Thank you!
I have a question about copyright – is it okay to use pictures other than the book-jacket when you review books? Do you seek permission to do this, or do publishers etc. consider this publicity and/or fair use?
Hi Sarika, I’m glad that you find our recommendations helpful 🙂
Technically, interior artwork should have permission to be reposted. I have contacted the illustrators for a few of my posts to gain permission. What I do do is look online and use artwork that is already in the public domain (i.e. appears on the illustrator’s site or blog, etc.)
Because we are promoting and positively recommending these books I would expect that this would be viewed as helpful promotion.
Thanks so much!