THE NIGHT EATER

The illustrator of Campbell Geeslin’s Elena’s Serenade (2003) again folds humorous and theatrical elements into mystical, surrealist art for an original tale imbued with folkloric overtones. Wearing a tied-on red nose and a long stocking cap, the chubby Night Eater tumbles behind the Moon each night, happily gobbling the starry darkness, chunk by chunk, to make way for the Sun. This tidy arrangement screeches to a halt, however, when Moon makes a comment about Night Eater’s weight, prompting him to go on a crash diet that leaves the entire world permanently dark. A knowing expression on his broad face, the Moon floats over misty scenes populated by the likes of a richly sea-green mermaid, a top-hatted penguin, and children whose expressions of anxiety change to smiles once Night Eater, re-discovering how tasty the night is, resumes his usual rounds. An engaging tale, made even more memorable by Juan’s distinctive style and vision. (Picture book. 7-9)