While He was Sleeping

This is a beautifully illustrated picture book about Mr Brown, the fox, who was very, very lonely. One day, to Mr Brown’s consternation, a woodpecker came to keep him company by making home in his rather fetching top hat. As more and more birds came to stay and, as his hat grew and grew, Mr Brown soon began to enjoy their company – but then they were gone…

This is a picture book full of evocative and accomplished illustrations. Slightly reminiscent of Anthony Browne, the artwork is surrealistic in nature and children will enjoy looking at the pictures in detail. However, the text, set against the backdrop of such beautiful artwork, is somewhat stilted which takes away from some of the enjoyment of the book – and the story.