Barbara Dillon

Small, pea green, and constantly on the hunt for lonely children who need a companion, a little beast comes to live with Marcia Evans for a while, and the two spend an idyllic summer together. Then the fall comes and Marcia heads off to school for the first time, making the beast aware that their time together has come to an end. Sadly heading off into a rainy world, the beast comes upon a little boy named Ken, and the process begins again...

Published in 1981, The Beast in the Bed is the first book I have read from author Barbara Dillon, and the ninth from illustrator Chris Conover, who also worked on Dillon's children's fantasy novel, What's Happened to Harry? I initially sought it out because I enjoy Conover's artwork, but I found the story appealing as well. The conclusion went in a direction I was not expecting, and there is something both humorous and melancholy about the story in general, that I found engaging. The artwork (as expected) was likewise appealing, with beautifully delicate black and white scenes accented with green, and some lovely silhouette work as well. Recommended to anyone looking for somewhat offbeat children's friendship stories, and to fans of Conover's artwork.… (mais)