BIBLIOGRAPHY
Swanson, Susan Marie, The House in the Night. Ill. by Beth Krommes, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt: Boston. 2008
ISBN: 0618862447
PLOT SUMMARY
This simple poem is a story told through the eyes of a child who finds comfort in the house at night. A little girl finds reassuring order to the nighttime and asserts her independence in taking care of a golden key to the house. Predictable, rhythmic patterning comes full circle as she discovers adventure in a book, flies through the city and returns home to the quiet, cozy comfort of her own room.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The welcoming imagery and word play create a unique voice through pictures, depicting the beauty of things in the night as a child eases her nocturnal fears. This is a beautiful book that invites parent and child to snuggle up for a bedtime story full of peaceful feelings of warmth and safekeeping.
Beth Krommes conveys an engaging story of safety and comfort in a double-page spread format using textured etchings of two simple colors. The important focus on familiar nighttime things is done in gold while using light and dark shadows to bring attention to other details. The patterning of color compliments the patterning of text making this a delightful book that brings warmth to the heart.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Caldecott Award winner, 2009
Booklist: “A beautiful piece of bookmaking that will delight both parents and children.”
School Library Journal: “It is a masterpiece that has all the hallmarks of a classic that will be loved for generations to come."
CONNECTIONS:
*Read other nighttime stories and create posters of familiar items in dual color.
*Read other books about the nighttime.
Related books:
The Napping House by Don and Audrey Wood ISBN: 0152026320
On a Starry Night by Natalie Kinsey –Warnock ISBN: 0-53106820-X
RESOURCES:
Marcus, Leonard S., A Caldecott Celebration: Six Artists and Their Paths to the Caldecott Medal, Walker & Company, NY, 1998.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/ (School Library Journal online accessed January 2010)http://www.booklistonline.com/default.aspx?page=booklinks (Booklist online accessed January 2010)
Picture: http://awesomestorytime.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/house-in-the-night-cover.jpg (accessed January 2010)
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