What's That Noise?

by William Carman

Beautiful illustrations accompany a spare text about a boy who hears a noise and bravely sets out to discover its source. Although he imagines terrible monsters (rendered in detailed black-and-white spreads that rival Chris Van Allsburg’s work) the scary noise ends up being his father’s snores! An ultimately comical fantasy from an exciting new talent.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Neda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually read this book thanks to Dr. Mary Galbraith via this link:
https://www.academia.edu/video/kzNxzk...

As Dr. Galbraith perfectly explains this book is a great one to deal with fright before going to sleep, especially as the case is with young children.
Here in this picturebook, the boy hears something at night and wonders what that is. He imagines lots of things and in double spreads, we see the boy's imagination. But on the next page, when the boy sees to it, we notice, that it's all been unreal.
As I wouldn't like to be a spoiler, am not mentioning where the noise is coming from.
Anyway, this is a very impressive book and the illustrations are also very lovely; different perspectives and creative ideas.
All thanks to William Carman and of course Dr. Galbraith.
:)

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's late at night, and a young boy hears a strange noise. His imagination gets the better of him as he imagines all the weird, and scary things that could be making this strange noise. He decides to track down and find out what this strange noise is and where it's coming from. What he finds is not what he expected.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the illustrations, while funny, might also be too scary for a very young child.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A boy hears a noise at night and his imagination gets the better of him.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Engaging illustrations and humorous premise (but maybe only because I can relate.)

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young boy hears a strange sound in the middle of the night and wonders what it is. Is it the neighbors mowing the lawn? Nope. Maybe it's a UFO or a monster in the closet. Wrong again. An octopus in the bathroom? Huh-uh. Maybe it's a bear in Mom and Dad's bedroom? He tiptoes to his paren't room and quietly opens the door...It's not a bear. It's Dad's snoring!

The sepia toned illustrations for the imagined noises are beautifully rendered but may be a little too graphic for young ones.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of my favorites that i picked out. It reminded me of my little cousin because he always says "whats that noise?". Also this book is teaching children
that there is an explaination for the noises at night and not to be afraid.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun bedtime book that explores a strange noise in the house.

[Sharper1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOOOOOOOVE the illustrations! And who hasn't done this??

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

neat end paper. interesting choices between black and white spreads and colored spreads. good bedtime? story.

[Cade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! Especially the monster and the octopus. I like to scream "AAAHHH!" when we get to those pages.