Nighty-Night Children ~ A Book Review of ‘Coraline’ by Neil Gaiman with Illustrations by Dave McKean

I think books like 'Coraline' are enjoyed by two different types of children.  Children who grow up fascinated by what is freakish and odd in nature (kids like me, for instance) and children that love a good scary read.  'Coraline,' published in 2002, will be a children's classic for many a generation to come.  With the movie version to further drive this story into the hearts and minds of current culture, lucky people with first editions probably need to purchase paperback versions of the story for themselves and their offspring or grandchildren, and keep their original books in safe deposit boxes.     

            Gaiman has created quite the world for Coraline to explore - exploring is the thing she prides herself in doing.  Unlike the movie, the story takes place in England which doesn't really change the storyline much except for the mention of Wellington boots our heroine wears on more than one occasion as she marches through two different worlds.  I found the story in the book was different enough from the film that reading it was like exploring a familiar tale, but I didn't know exactly in what direction one chapter would lead to the next.  Sure, Coraline encounters her 'Other Mother' but without the cheerful voice of Teri Hatcher the other mother in the novel becomes menacing much faster than she did in the movie.  Of course, McKean's illustrations showed her as a larger creature with sharper angles who would have frightened me from ever exploring the nooks and crannies of my palatial home.  You add buttons for eyes (Gaiman must have had some truly horrid experience with some rag doll) and you suddenly contemplate stuffed teddy bears in a whole different fashion. 

            The main theme of the book is bravery does not means not being afraid, but doing things that you know are right despite being afraid.  Thus Coraline, with the help of the cat with no name (we all sort of knew that cats always felt they didn't need names to just be themselves - unlike dogs) goes on a nightmarish trek to find her missing parents and the souls of children whom Other Mother no longer needs. 

            As with the movie, I wouldn't recommend this book for a child prone to being scared of their own shadow.  Parents know their children well enough, at least one would hope, to ascertain if 'Coraline' should be a bedtime read or skipped altogether.  For the child who does love the fantastical this is a must read or a must have read to them book.  I tell you, the bit about the Other Mother's hand spying on Coraline was enough for me to want to fall asleep with a nightlight on so be warned, I'm not kidding about certain aspects of this story. 

            Overall, 'Coraline' will delight readers of all ages who have the right mindset for it.

Westerfield © 2009