Mark Carthew (text) and Simon Prescott (illustrator), A Stormy Night (Marvin and Marigold #3), New Frontier, October 2018, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781925594225
The third in a series of picture books about the adventures of two mice who live next door to each other (The Big Sneeze and A Christmas Surprise). Both Marigold and Marvin are scared of the stormy night and find comfort in each other’s company. Lit by the warm glow of Marvin’s torch under Marigold’s bed they begin to feel braver until more bumps and thumps are heard. This time it is Marvin’s grandparents, out searching for their lost dog. Again, the mice find comfort in shared light, food and talk until a third interruption scares them all. The illustrations show stylised characters with rounded features in a pleasant palette of complimentary warm and cool colours. With key themes of friendship, family and kindness this picture book shows readers that things are not always what they seem and will help encourage children who are scared of the dark and thunderstorms.
Reviewed by Liz Anelli
