Paintings? Computer-generated art? Models? A blend? What the?
Already completely enamoured with the superlative talents of multi-tasking artist Sarah Davis, I was simply quite boggled as to how this picture book was put together.
It wasn't until the end of the book that all was revealed (I love it when books reveal the artist's medium!) 0 and quite astonishingly, Davis has not only created models of each of the book's characters, she even created an entire haunted house from cardboard and plaster.
You will be boggled by the astonishing detail, from tiles on the floor to dishes and torchlight and the most incredible gossamer ghost of a girl, who floats through the rooms of the house, trying to not 'be scared' by the strange noises in the dark... noises created by three cute and very brave little 'invaders' keen to explore a local haunted house.
Yes, it seems Sarah Davis has scored the motherlode of artistic talent. Her sculptures in Sounds Spooky are extraordinary alright, but the highlight is the children's faces, especially at the climax of the book - the emotion is breathtakingly good and laugh-out loud funny.
Chris Cheng has penned a suspense-driven tale that will delight children, using a clutch of divine and inspirational onomatopoeia that really sets the spooky mood as our dear little ghost girls navigates her fears and those bumps in the night. Repetitive story elements will keep kids guessing, and really effectively build the drama.
Spooky, charming and frightfully good fun.
Check out www.sounds-spooky.com!
Title: Sounds Spooky
Author: Christopher Cheng
Illustrator: Sarah Davis
Publisher: Random House, $19.95 RRP
Publication Date: 1 September 2011
Format: Hard cover
ISBN: 9781864718799
For ages: 3 - 8
Type: Picture book
