posted on 28 Feb 2018

The Wardrobe Monster by Bryony Thomson

A certain three year old of my acquaintance seems to have discovered the notion of ‘monsters’ and takes every opportunity she can get to scare herself with the idea that there may be monsters lurking around every corner. She does it, like most small children, for the adrenalin thrill of being scared but safe at the same time but also so that she’ll get attention from an adult who is on hand to reassure her that there’s no such thing as monsters.

This latest splendid picture book from the estimable Old Barn Books which has been written and illustrated by Bryony Thomson gives children the chance to see that they’re not alone in having thoughts of things that go bump in night – or, in this case, in the wardrobe. Not due for release until the first week of April, this is a must for anyone who likes a cosy, reassuring read to share with their youngster.

Dora is a young girl with vivid pink hair, a trio of stuffed toys for friends and a lot of sleepless nights. The problem is that she’s convinced there’s a monster living in her wardrobe and she’ll do whatever she can to avoid going to bed, however tired she gets. But eventually the order to get to her bedroom comes and all she can do is snuggle into bed with her friends, bear, lion and penguin, and lie waiting for the knocking sounds to start in her wardrobe.

When she finally plucks up the courage to open the door of the offending piece of furniture what should tumble out but a huge lime-green wardrobe monster! But this isn’t a scary monster at all – he’s big and cuddly and, it turns out, just as terrified of the noises Dora and her friends are making outside the wardrobe as they are of the noises he’s making inside.

Now that Dora knows there’s nothing to be frightened of, they all get to know each other better and become firm friends. Finally, they can all get some sleep – well at least until Penguin falls out of bed and wakes everyone up.

This is a charming book with a real feel-good vibe but the real triumph, for me at any rate, is the quality of the illustration. This is Bryony Thomson’s first picture book and it’s a real belter. She ditched a rather tedious sounding job as a Political Risks Insurance Underwriter to study illustration at the Cambridge School of Art and has now embarked on a new career drawing for a living. What a wise move – it’s worked out well for her and for us too.

I hope this book finds its way into the mainstream and independent bookshops but if you can’t locate it, try taking a look at www.oldbarnbooks.com and you’ll probably find a copy to order there.

Terry Potter

March 2018

( Click on any image below to view the images  in slide show format)