Thursday, September 20, 2012

Book Review - Night of the White Deer


Night of the White Deer

By: Jack Bushnell
Illustrated by: Miguel Co
Publisher: Tanglewood Books
Publication Date: September 2012
ISBN: 978-1-933718-80-4
Reviewed by: Amy Lignor
Review Date: September 2012

Children’s books are an art form, in this writer/reviewer’s mind. When it comes to adult titles, suspense, romance, mystery, adventure - these categories shine. But with a children’s book, you are talking about telling a stunning, unforgettable story in a very small amount of space with illustrations that take the breath away. And this is one children’s book that does that beautifully and…absolutely shines!

The white deer is a beautiful, mysterious creature that is only seen once in a while by the people who have so much imagination, heart and hope that they see him as he walks through the cornfields; they are the ones who wish to see the most amazing things possible and become a part of them.

Now there are many stories about the white deer. Some say it was a star that fell from the sky and turned into the first thing it saw on earth. Others say the white deer is so powerful it chased tornadoes away. But when the boy brings up the subject of this creature, his brother laughs at him and basically tells him he’s nuts, while his father simply looks at him a bit oddly and either asks for more information, or tells him to go and play.

But one night the white deer comes to the boy, stands outside his window and takes him on the most beautiful adventure of his whole life. With the creature, the boy can fly; he can run with mighty red gazelles and watch black elks as they play, bashing their antlers together so that bright white sparks light up the sky. It is a fantasy adventure like none other, and when the boy returns home there’s a secret in the house that his father has kept for a long time which will make all readers - young and mature alike - go to their windows every night to find that deer. Whether rain or shine, moonlight or darkness, readers will search for the deer that’s as bright as snow so they can have their own incredible adventure.

This author has created enchantment. Not since The Polar Express has there been a story this moving, and the illustrations will be locked inside the mind for eternity.

Quill Says: This is the children’s book that should be kept on the shelf, taken down every night, and read by one and all. A masterpiece!






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