The Night Tent by Landis Blair (review)

Abstract

Reviewed by: The Night Tent by Landis Blair Danica Ronquillo Blair, Landis The Night Tent; written and illus. by Landis Blair. Ferguson/Holiday House, 2023 [40p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780823450985 $18.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780823455164 $11.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R 4-7 yrs Watson can't fall asleep, convinced there are the scary monsters creeping under his bed and lurking inside his closet. When he curiously peeks underneath his blanket to find a mysterious light, however, Watson enters what seems to be a tent with stars twinkling brightly at him. The stars lead Watson through a fantastical land, as he follows a long curvy pathway toward a forest with strange and friendly creatures, rides a trolley through an ancient city, and climbs a very tall tower on a tiny island overlooking the sea. When Watson willingly (and sleepily) climbs to the top of the tower, he is greeted with a breath-taking sight of the beautiful land before him, and after such a long adventure he crawls out of the covers and falls peacefully to [End Page 250] no longer afraid of monsters and "already dreaming about the stars." Blair's bedtime picture book debut takes sleepy (or not so sleepy) readers on a gentle and whimsical adventure, with a cool color palette of blues, purples, and greens to set a tranquil mood underneath a starry night sky. Thin pencil cross-hatching illustrations and shadows add intricate detail and depth to the objects in his room, while the dreamy landscapes visually expand playful layouts and perspectives. Repetition of "And since Watson wasn't sleepy" pairs with an obviously tiring Watson to make a humorous contrast. This is a comforting read that encourages young readers to use their imagination to explore lands beyond their wildest dreams while overcoming their darkest fears. Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois