The Midnight Fair

A whimsical adventure in a nighttime fairground

Gideon Sterer author Mariachiara Di Giorgio illustrator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Walker Books Ltd

Published:3rd Feb '22

Should be back in stock very soon

The Midnight Fair cover

This wordless picture book invites readers into a magical fairground where animals come alive at night, creating a whimsical adventure in The Midnight Fair.

In The Midnight Fair, readers are invited into a whimsical world where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary. Set against the backdrop of a deserted fairground, the story unfolds under the cover of night, revealing a hidden realm where wild animals come to life. As the sun sets and the last echoes of laughter fade, the fairground becomes a playground for woodland creatures, ready to embrace their moment of joy and adventure.

The narrative begins with a brave raccoon who takes the initiative to awaken the dormant rides. With a pull of a lever, the fairground bursts into a vibrant spectacle of lights and sounds, captivating not only the animals but also the readers. Each page reveals a new scene of exhilaration, as the animals engage with the rides, creating a surreal and cinematic experience that sparks the imagination.

The Midnight Fair is not just a story about animals; it celebrates the magic of play and the joy of community. The illustrations, rich in detail and color, complement the wordless storytelling, allowing readers of all ages to interpret the scenes in their own way. This enchanting picture book invites us to explore the hidden lives of animals and the wonders that come alive when the world is asleep.

Painting from close up, Di Giorgio creates the sense that viewers are part of the crowd, and bathes every spread in brilliant, theatrical light. * Publishers Weekly *
Wordless and eloquent, “The Midnight Fair” offers true enchantment for children ages 3 to 8. * The Wall Street Journal *
This is a wonderful, dream-like picture book that’s also strong on humour. * Christmas countdown of amazing books, RTÉjr *
Lush watercolour, gouache and coloured pencil artwork by Di Giorgio is spectacular not just in its liveliness and beauty but in its remarkable depth and perspective. Surprise after surprise emerges for the keen-eyed reader, and not a detail is neglected. The Midnight Fair--like a ride on a Ferris wheel--will likely elicit entreaties of "Again, again!”. * Shelf-Awareness *

Despite all the merriment, The Midnight Fair is much more than a cute story about animals having fun. It’s entertaining and clever, but it never devolves into flippancy or silliness. Unhampered by the solidity and clarity of text, it maintains an ethereal aura of mystery and a sense of quiet dignity not often found in picture books with anthropomorphic animal protagonists.
Every inch of illustrator Di Giorgio’s art is captivating, […] Gleaming and golden, The Midnight Fair radiates magic. It’s truly exceptional.

* Bookpage *

  • Winner of Kate Greenaway Medal (CILIP) Shadower's Choice Award 2022 (UK)
  • Short-listed for Kate Greenaway Medal (CILIP) 2022 (UK)

ISBN: 9781406394658

Dimensions: 200mm x 280mm x 5mm

Weight: 230g

48 pages