The Wolves in the Walls: 06/06/10

Sean's first introduction to Neil Gaiman was Coraline. Since he has talked about his own monsters living the walls of his bedroom and inside his clock, I figured he'd like The Wolves in the Walls too. He did.

Lucy like Coraline lives with clueless parents. She can hear the wolves in the walls just as Coraline knew something was up with that walled up door.  Her family though ignores her warnings.

Now you might think they ignore her because wolves in the walls is complete fantasy. It isn't – not in their world. Wolves really do come out of the walls and really do take over homes. 

Lucy, again like Coraline, has the pluck to put things right. Coraline can trick the Other Mother by playing her own game. Lucy can evict the wolves by recreating their method of terrorizing a family.

The Wolves in the Walls has Dave McKean's excellent illustrations. They are dark, wild and off kilter, a perfect mix for this picture book that dances on the border of horror without actually crossing over.

Comments (2)

Comment #1: Monday, June, 7, 2010 at 19:19:39

Okie

I actually picked this up and read it in the library while my kids were looking for books to check out.

I had just recently read Coraline and so I saw some parallels, but I also really enjoyed this book on its own merits. As you point out, the illustrations are fabulous and the story itself was a lot of fun to read.

I tried to convince my kids to check it out, but they already had their arms full with enough books for their library cards and mine, so we put it back...thanks for reminding me of it though. I may have to check it out for them to enjoy. :)

Comment #2: Friday, June 11, 2010 at 08:53:91

Pussreboots

Many of Gaiman's books have worlds living in parallel. Good luck with convincing your children to read the book.