The Light Inside

Appealing, for Halloween or anytime.

Creatures of the night have troubles of their own in this wordless children's debut from cartoonist Misdea. In paneled vignettes, a little humanoid figure with a round jack-o'-lantern head depends on a beloved purple stuffed mouse to ward off the frightening dreamlike figures that seem suspended over the bed after lights-out. When a strong wind blows the mouse away, and a stylized black cat runs off with it, the child goes on an epic pursuit through a nocturnal landscape peopled by the creatures of their dream. Crisp line drawings and striking, moody gray tones lend a satisfying frisson of eeriness to the dramatic stakes. Centering a reluctant but persevering protagonist facing their nightmares, it's a portrait of empathy, independence, and bravery that champions the literal and figurative light within. Ages 3-7. (Aug.)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Praise for THE LIGHT INSIDE

★"Crisp line drawings and striking, moody gray tones lend a satisfying frisson of eeriness to the dramatic stakes. Centering a reluctant but persevering protagonist facing their nightmares, it's a portrait of empathy, independence, and bravery that champions the literal and figurative light within."—Publisher's Weekly, starred review

"Misdea's narrative can be read as a child's dream or a hero's fulsome adventure...this debut's round-edged panels compress zigzagging emotions into an adroitly constructed tale using classic folkloric tropes...Appealing, for Halloween or anytime."—Kirkus Reviews

"A beautifully illustrated wordless picture book about courage and helping others even when trying to conquer our own fears."—KidsBookShelf