Review by Ian Keogh

Ning and the Night Spirits is another treat for young children straddling the line separating illustrated books and graphic novels, a category to which Flying Eye stake an almost exclusive claim. However, the beauty and charm of Adriena Fong’s illustrations make this a book worth having for fans of either genre, but most of all make sure it reaches the grubby little hands of young readers who’ll be enthralled.

Ning lives in a small rural village where traditions are important, and lighting lanterns to keep the night spirits away is a priority. However, Ning fears the known more than the unknown and crippling shyness prevents interaction with other children. There are even times when he’s overcome just by being with his parents, and on one such occasion he decides to run away for some time just to himself.

Children will be involved from the start as Fong’s scenery and the sympathetic and lonely Ning captivate. As his journey continues Fong introduces the fantastic, opening young readers’ imaginations. Ning meets creatures he didn’t know existed, and they’re drawn as friendly and welcoming. Single page illustrations and spreads are used more than small paintings, and they’re full of life and colour, giving children plenty to explore in each of them.

The allegories will be obvious to adults, but not to children. The messages aren’t hammered home, occurring naturally as a result of Ning’s explorations. The secondary concern is Ning overcoming his shyness, which is only a matter of finding something important enough to say. His confidence grows through knowing others will listen.

A simple story creatively told guides gently while offering an exotic new world to explore.