Don't Go Out Tonight: A Creepy Concertina Pop-Up

by Babette Cole

A case of measles affects spells cast by a witch living in the village of Ow. Features pop-up illustrations.

1 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1982

About the author

Babette Cole was a British children's author and illustrator. Born on the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands in 1949, she attended the Canterbury College of Art (now the University for the Creative Arts) and received first-class BA Honors. She worked on such children's programmes as Bagpuss (working with Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin) and Jackanory for BBC television.

As a children's writer, Cole created more than 150 picture books. Her best-seller Doctor Dog has been adapted as a successful children's cartoon series. Much of her work is earthy comedy, having titles like The Smelly Book, The Hairy Book, The Slimy Book and The Silly Book.

She spent her time writing, visiting schools and traveling. After a short illness she died on 15 January 2017, aged 66.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

The trouble in Ow began with Witch Throttlegush's measles, which effected her magic, and soon involved the other residents, from Count Kissmequick and his Batbirds to Dick Turnpike the highwayman. Would she ever find the Newt's Eye Jelly necessary to put it right? A delightful book, with droll illustrations and an unusual format, Don't Go Out Tonight would make the perfect Halloween pop-up, were it not (very sadly) out of print.

With six "pages" of pop-ups, each unfolding vertically to reveal a scene, the book itself expands into one long show, with story on one side, and paper engineering on another. Well worth the trouble of seeking out, particularly for pop-up enthusiasts who like something a little different, it also offers deliciously creepy illustrations from the talented (and prolific) Babette Cole.

[Melki · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only thing better than a book featuring Babette Cole's illustrations is a book that features POP-UPs drawn by Babette Cole. This one has six large pop-ups featuring witches, vampires, dragons, and tigers. They're sensational and so filled with details that you'll want to spend hours perusing them.



The story on the backside of the book is, well . . . another story. It seems something of an afterthought, perhaps written just to explain the pop-ups. But, if you're a diehard Cole-fan, or a collector of pop-up books, DEFINITELY put this one on your must-have list.

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ow was not a very good place for dragons. There was no chance of devouring any maidens, battle with knights or stamp on any castles. This of course made them lose their self- respect. Their scales fell off and they began to smell of old fireworks.

A rather spectacular charity shop find and given it's publication back in 1982 it is in very good condition with all the pop-ups and additional tabs and flaps in full working order.

The story is a charming tale of misadventure for Witch Throttlegush who needs some jellied eye of newt to correct her spells which have gone awry. Thwarted at every step, she encounters a rich cast of characters, who are portrayed in the pop-ups on the reverse side of the concertina.

Short but oh so perfect. 5 stars.