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4.25 AVERAGE
4.25 AVERAGE
Display your work for others to see; let your imagination run free.
Gorgeous color palette and sepia tones in the illustrations immerse the reader in a magical tale of artistry and creativity.
Atmospheric story of trees being transformed during the night into topiary creatures.
A bit much for the young kids at my story time... though one boy seemed taken with it.
A bit much for the young kids at my story time... though one boy seemed taken with it.
Pure magic! Buy this book, pack a suitcase, and move inside it! I felt the same way I did the first time I read a Chris Van Allsburg.
Grimloch Lane is a pretty drab place. William lives there in an orphanage. But one night, a topiary owl appears trimmed into the tree outside his window! He and the townspeople grow more excited and social as different animals appear every night. Will William ever meet the Night Gardener?
These are truly beautiful illustrations (done in graphite and colored digitally), with an incredible ability to show glowing light just via contrast and shading. The muted, almost-but-not-quite monochromatic palette of the night scenes is simply lovely.
These are truly beautiful illustrations (done in graphite and colored digitally), with an incredible ability to show glowing light just via contrast and shading. The muted, almost-but-not-quite monochromatic palette of the night scenes is simply lovely.
Spoiler
Story-wise, I appreciate that William did meet the gardener, but he didn't get adopted for a happily-ever-after. Instead, he got a tool (his own clippers) and an awakened artistic urge. I love books about kids realizing their creative potential.
Beautifully, beautifully illustrated. And the story itself rises to meet the stunning artwork. From the happiness the Night Gardener brings to town to the "passing on" of the trade, everything about this book works.
This is truly a gorgeous picture book and does a very nice job of showing how a community could be brought together.