THE HOUSE IN THE NIGHT By Susan Marie Swanson

1.BIBLIOGRAPHY
Swanson, Susan M. 2008. THE HOUSE IN THE NIGHT. Ill. By Beth Krommes. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 13 978-618-86244-3
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this beautifully illustrated book, a child is given the key to a house. In that house, she finds a book and proceeds to go on a whimsical journey of the imagination riding on the back of a magical bird. The language is poetic and beautiful in its simplicity. However, the imagery that it evokes is powerful and spell-binding. The sing-song quality of the wording has a very soothing quality that lulls young readers to sleep.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The illustrations in this book are magnificent. Many little details intrigue children and draw them into the story. The illustrations and the words work together in absolute harmony. The words are simple, yet poetic. Because of the simplicity of the words, one can draw little ones to make inferences as to their meaning. For example, “On the bed waits a book.” Little ones know that books do not wait. However, because the words are understandable, this allows discussion for meaning.
The House in the Night is an award-winning book that exemplifies the harmonious pairing of the author and the illustrator. In the beginning of the book, a child is handed a key to a house. In the house is a light, and the light illuminates certain objects, including a book. The child opens the book and is transported to the very stars. Children are captivated by intricate artwork and attention to detail. The story is unusual and captures even young children’s attention as it prompts little ones to try to understand the story line.
In this collaboration, Swanson and Krommes create a masterpiece that is enjoyable for ages.
4. AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Caldecott Medal, 2009; Minnesota Book Award, 2009; Junior Library Guild Premiere Selection; Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Books; Publishers Weekly Best Books; Parents' Choice; New York Public Library Titles for Reading and Sharing
BOOKLIST: *Starred Review* A beautiful piece of bookmaking that will delight both parents and children.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: This volume's artful simplicity, homely wisdom and quiet tone demonstrate the interconnected beauty and order of the world in a way that both children and adults will treasure.
5. CONNECTIONS
* This is a very soothing bedtime story for young children.
*If parents and young children enjoyed this book, they may enjoy the following:
Brown, Margaret Wise. GOODNIGHT MOON. ISBN-10: 0898459885
*Consider the following books for their poetic appeal to children:
Swanson, Susan Marie. TO BE LIKE THE SUN. ISBN 978-0152057961
Pinkney, Jerry. THE LION AND THE MOUSE. ISBN-10: 0316013560