Children's Picture Books - Night Wall

Julie and Sarah have escaped from their "cartoon lives" for an empty house in the forest. Julie brings her fears with her and her fears manifest themselves when she has a wall built in the back yard. Sarah, who is much younger, sees Julie's monsters for what they really are and is not afraid.

Creating the characters and painting the detailed forest scenes for this story was so much fun I didn't worry that it took me five years to complete. (I had a day job.) The result is a story that gets lost in its operatic qualities. Exaggerations abound and the central drama and location of the story make more of a stage setting than a real world.

The world of Night Wall is all metaphor to put into play two opposite views of nature. Sarah has no problem with the forest in the back yard and loves its mysteries, even at night. Julie sees monsters lurking deep inside. The story is about overcoming one's own fears and the fear of the natural world, that all to often is treated as enemy. I also tried my hand at layering metaphor and making the story about other concerns. The overall success of this story depends upon the young reader picking up on my intentions. I also want Night Wall to be a fun mystery with strong characters and memorable scenes.

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