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Night of the Gargoyles
In this stunning collaboration of two exceptional talents, the striking charcoal illustrations and nimble text reveal what happens at night when the gargoyles come to life.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 17, 1994
3 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
Eve Bunting
312 books410 followersAlso known as Evelyn Bolton and A.E. Bunting.
Anne Evelyn Bunting, better known as Eve Bunting, is an author with more than 250 books. Her books are diverse in age groups, from picture books to chapter books, and topic, ranging from Thanksgiving to riots in Los Angeles. Eve Bunting has won several awards for her works.
Bunting went to school in Ireland and grew up with storytelling. In Ireland, “There used to be Shanachies… the shanachie was a storyteller who went from house to house telling his tales of ghosts and fairies, of old Irish heroes and battles still to be won. Maybe I’m a bit of a Shanchie myself, telling stories to anyone who will listen.” This storytelling began as an inspiration for Bunting and continues with her work.
In 1958, Bunting moved to the United States with her husband and three children. A few years later, Bunting enrolled in a community college writing course. She felt the desire to write about her heritage. Bunting has taught writing classes at UCLA. She now lives in Pasadena, California.
Anne Evelyn Bunting, better known as Eve Bunting, is an author with more than 250 books. Her books are diverse in age groups, from picture books to chapter books, and topic, ranging from Thanksgiving to riots in Los Angeles. Eve Bunting has won several awards for her works.
Bunting went to school in Ireland and grew up with storytelling. In Ireland, “There used to be Shanachies… the shanachie was a storyteller who went from house to house telling his tales of ghosts and fairies, of old Irish heroes and battles still to be won. Maybe I’m a bit of a Shanchie myself, telling stories to anyone who will listen.” This storytelling began as an inspiration for Bunting and continues with her work.
In 1958, Bunting moved to the United States with her husband and three children. A few years later, Bunting enrolled in a community college writing course. She felt the desire to write about her heritage. Bunting has taught writing classes at UCLA. She now lives in Pasadena, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
June 6, 2019
I love Eve Bunting and she teams up with some of the best in the business - the real up and comers. David Wiesner, who I love his own works, is the illustrator. This is in black and white and beautifully drawn. This sets a mood and a tone. It is a safe kind of darker story, it is somewhat scary.
Gargoyles look like stone during the day, but by night they come alive and they play. They are a little comical and they just want to clean off the bird poop of the day and relax, have some fun and socialize. I love this book. It’s a great book to have for Halloween or just a spooky gathering of some kind.
This gave the niece the creeps, but she still liked the story. She thought the gargoyles looked scary. I told her they are supposed to look scary to keep the evil things away. They are protectors (and waterspouts). She gave this 3 stars. The nephew thought they were very cool monsters. He wanted to go see some. I don’t know of any in Baltimore, so I need to do some research. There might be some on the churches down in DC. He gave this 4 stars for being a good creepy.
Gargoyles look like stone during the day, but by night they come alive and they play. They are a little comical and they just want to clean off the bird poop of the day and relax, have some fun and socialize. I love this book. It’s a great book to have for Halloween or just a spooky gathering of some kind.
This gave the niece the creeps, but she still liked the story. She thought the gargoyles looked scary. I told her they are supposed to look scary to keep the evil things away. They are protectors (and waterspouts). She gave this 3 stars. The nephew thought they were very cool monsters. He wanted to go see some. I don’t know of any in Baltimore, so I need to do some research. There might be some on the churches down in DC. He gave this 4 stars for being a good creepy.
October 2, 2015
By day these staid sentries guard buildings, serving as waterspouts and pigeon perches.
But night time, is the right time to PAR-TAY!!!
It's gargoyles gone wild as they visit the museum, annoy the cherubs by playing in the fountain, and make faces at the night watchman.
What a fun tale for all ages, highlighted by Wiesner's moonlit illustrations done in fifty shades of mottled grey.
Who knew gargoyles just wanna have fun?
But night time, is the right time to PAR-TAY!!!
It's gargoyles gone wild as they visit the museum, annoy the cherubs by playing in the fountain, and make faces at the night watchman.
What a fun tale for all ages, highlighted by Wiesner's moonlit illustrations done in fifty shades of mottled grey.
Who knew gargoyles just wanna have fun?
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July 14, 2008Magical Realist elements in picture books -- see http://bigblogofmarvel.blogspot.com/s... Wiesner
May 21, 2019
Worth it for the art alone, but the story is great. Perfect for kids (and adults) with Addams family values. Although not specific to Halloween, it would make a great autumn book.
Highly recommended.
Library copy
Highly recommended.
Library copy
February 7, 2013
Although I found the title of the book cliche and unoriginal, the cover is what convinced me to look into this picture book. To my relief, the title does not reflect the well-written story that is inked onto the pages. You are led through an overnight adventure of what gargoyles do once the day turns into night and all of the mischief they get into. The story does not leave much to the imagination as far as endings go, but the outstanding use of poetic phrasing keeps you entranced throughout the story.
If the illustrations of a book were the foundation of how I rate books, than I would have given this one a 4 or 5 star. David Wiesner uses pastels to give the book a very creepy feeling, but also, he manages to maintain a gentle, comedic feel even though gargoyles are generally described as evil and mean. A prime example of this blend can be seen when a gargoyle is shown with dozens of pigeons perched upon him and leaving their "mottled stains". I honestly had a good chuckle had how that was depicted.
In the classroom, I would recommend for between the grades of 3 and 4. The poetic phrasing might be too confusing for younger children and might require further explanation even for older children. If a teacher can efficiently explain it to their students, it is possible for a 2nd grader to understand, but the scary tone of the book might be a little much.
If the illustrations of a book were the foundation of how I rate books, than I would have given this one a 4 or 5 star. David Wiesner uses pastels to give the book a very creepy feeling, but also, he manages to maintain a gentle, comedic feel even though gargoyles are generally described as evil and mean. A prime example of this blend can be seen when a gargoyle is shown with dozens of pigeons perched upon him and leaving their "mottled stains". I honestly had a good chuckle had how that was depicted.
In the classroom, I would recommend for between the grades of 3 and 4. The poetic phrasing might be too confusing for younger children and might require further explanation even for older children. If a teacher can efficiently explain it to their students, it is possible for a 2nd grader to understand, but the scary tone of the book might be a little much.
October 25, 2010
3 1/2 to 4 stars; lovely, poetic writing and nice illustrations that capture the gargoyles quite well.
October 21, 2020
I thought this book was great for development of imagination - what happens to the rest of the world when we fall asleep? Although I enjoyed the illustrations and thought they fitted the story well, they potentially would not aid children in staying engaged with the text as they read. There is also no major plot, eg following a specific (named?) gargoyle and their adventures through the night. This, combined with colourful illustrations, may make the book more accessible for younger readers
October 21, 2020
I really wasn’t a massive fan of this story.
It tells the story of how the gargoyles come alive at night but the story isn’t remotely engaging and I zoned out of the book after the first few pages.
The illustrations are dark and interesting but they don’t make you want to explore the text and further.
It tells the story of how the gargoyles come alive at night but the story isn’t remotely engaging and I zoned out of the book after the first few pages.
The illustrations are dark and interesting but they don’t make you want to explore the text and further.
November 19, 2019
The illustrations are nice, though a little boring - it's all those greys of the cover.
The story is stupid, I think.
The story is stupid, I think.
September 30, 2024
Interesting drawing. Poor texts.
September 19, 2010
" When night comes, the gargoyles creep on stubs of feet. They swoop down to hunch with gargoyle friends around the fountaiin and mock the watcheman as he passes by " Eve Bunting
During the day they protect our Churches , Schools and Libraries. Then there is night, and the time for the gargoyles to arise.
I have always had a fascination with gargoyles. This book caught my attention and I had to by it. The book is in black and white. David Wiesner's drawings are gorgeous. They are charcoal blak and whites. The book chronicles the night adventures of the Gargoyle. They splash in the fountains near the museum they reside on, play in trees. Those fortunate winged gargoyles take off on their nightly explorations of the city. They chat and play and discuss serious gargoyle issues: Sun damage and Birds of course! They even play pranks on the night watchman and like to spook the occasional human who walks by. I found the book such a joyful experience. It might me a little frightening for toddlers but 5+ yer olds might enjoy it as well as the kid in us all :)
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December 3, 2013Night of the Gargoyles is written by Eve Bunting and is illustrated by David Wiesner. This book tells a story of the gargoyles that come alive at night at a museum. Spooky things happen, but the truth is the gargoyles are irritated by how hot the stone gets during the day and the annoying birds that perch upon them. David Wiesner does a fantastic job at bringing the gargoyles to life. All of Wiesner's illustrations in Night of the Gargoyles are done in black and white. Wiesner creates his characters and scenery in the book through charcoal shading; this medium really helps to show the mysteriousness of the gargoyles and the talent Wiesner possesses as an artist. David Wiesner does a fabulous job at bringing the gargoyles to life. Night of the Gargoyles would be an ideal book to use in the class when introducing black and white picture books because it shows how detailed illustrations can be even without color. The book would also be a great example for introducing students to the fantasy genre.
June 8, 2019
Recently I've been getting stationed in children's at work. On slower nights I try to familiarize myself with newer picture books...and end up going down nostalgia lane with books I adored as a young child and then lost to time and memory. This one was read to us when I was in primary school during library time, and I fell in love with it's grey-scale images, the way that the city was alight and alive even during the night, the way that artificial light and moonlight blended with the dark and shadow to make the night even more vibrant than the day. The impish creatures that I knew as a child (I KNEW) would come to life at night---then I forgot the title...the author, and eventually, the book altogether.
I cannot reccomend this book enough to readers of all ages; young children will enjoy the light-hearted romp of the monsters as they wander and sneak about the city and play in fountains; older children and adults will like it's folkloric elements and stunning art. It's also simple enough that an on-level six or seven year old could likely read it by themselves.
I cannot reccomend this book enough to readers of all ages; young children will enjoy the light-hearted romp of the monsters as they wander and sneak about the city and play in fountains; older children and adults will like it's folkloric elements and stunning art. It's also simple enough that an on-level six or seven year old could likely read it by themselves.
August 29, 2011
In this book, gargoyles come to life at night! The beautifully detailed black and white illustrations done by David Wiesner show the fun things the gargoyles take part in when they come alive. They visit the museum, fly (if they have wings) straight up into the sky, splash in the fountain, scare people passing by, and talk of what they’ve seen and felt (the sun burning them, the rain pouring down on them, and the birds that perch on them that leave behind stains). But, they always return to their corners, frozen and staring with “their empty eyes unblinking” when morning comes. The word choice is colorful and paints a picture in the reader’s mind as they read. Ultimately, this book has a little bit of everything: it’s funny, a little spooky and edgy while still having a touch of beauty with the descriptive words written by Eve Bunting.
August 31, 2011
I have been a fan of Eve Buntings for a long time. I was drawn to this book because I hadn't heard of it and because it seemed a drastic change of topic for the author I knew, with heart tugging texts such as Fly Away Home and The Wednesday Surprise. After reading through the book, which was also illustrated by David Weisner, the author of award winning books such as Tuesday(1992) I was pleasantly surprised to find a creepy and somewhat humorous book. As the illustrations reveal the goofy antics of gargoyles at nighttime, the text is written in such a whimsical manner that it all contrasts beautifully with the black and white illustrations. Enjoyed this collaboration of two well-known authors as they step out on a limb and create a unique and eery story.
June 23, 2017
What happens at night, when a city sleeps, and all that's left are the gargoyles atop tall buildings? They come to life! This book, with it's black and white illustrations, is both child-like and haunting at the same time. Bunting writes a descriptive story, often poking fun at the gargoyles and their human-like qualities. For example, they sat on the edge of the fountain and complained about everyday problems. They also taunted the night watchman at the museum.
A very interesting book, to say the least. I appreciate the illustrator's use of black and white illustrations as I believe it sets the mood for the whole story. The writing style is very different, but not overly opposing in my mind.
A very interesting book, to say the least. I appreciate the illustrator's use of black and white illustrations as I believe it sets the mood for the whole story. The writing style is very different, but not overly opposing in my mind.
March 6, 2012
It was nice to see David Wiesner get away from watercolor with this book. On the pages, he used pastels instead. This really brought the characters to life in my point of view. It highlighted the pockmarked concrete that they are made of, it brought their empty, unblinking eyes and hard, stone bodies to life. The colors chosen for the book are on a grey scale, which is also unusual for a Wiesner book. It gave the story a very eery feeling, making it one I would only indulge other in around Halloween time or in the darker months. Not my favorite of his books, but still great illustrations.
November 11, 2012
Grade/Interest Level: Primary
Lexile Level: 1090 L
Genre: Science Fiction, Picture book, Poetry
Main Characters: gargoyles
Setting: nighttime
POV: Third Person
This black and white picture book tells of gargoyles coming to life at night. The usually creepy gargoyles are portrayed as playful and funny. Bunting uses poetic writing to describe what the gargoyles do at night.
This book is a little spooky so if used with younger students, it would probably be best read on Halloween. However, the illustrations are beautiful and the overall crafting of the book is creative. I also like that there aren’t too many words in the book so it really puts the emphasis on the images.
Lexile Level: 1090 L
Genre: Science Fiction, Picture book, Poetry
Main Characters: gargoyles
Setting: nighttime
POV: Third Person
This black and white picture book tells of gargoyles coming to life at night. The usually creepy gargoyles are portrayed as playful and funny. Bunting uses poetic writing to describe what the gargoyles do at night.
This book is a little spooky so if used with younger students, it would probably be best read on Halloween. However, the illustrations are beautiful and the overall crafting of the book is creative. I also like that there aren’t too many words in the book so it really puts the emphasis on the images.
April 6, 2013
In this creative story about gargoyles, we get to see how they spent their evenings. At first the illustrations seem a bit daunting but actually work very well in showing the light nature of the gargoyles. The charcoal drawings really help bring the characters to life and show their spirited side. They partake in activities like swimming in the fountains, looking through museum windows, and flying through the night sky. We are shown how much fun the nighttime can be for other creatures and what they like to do during those hours.
September 27, 2017
This was one the coolest books I have ever read. The illustrations are crazy good and help move the story line. The text is just as amazing. Together they create one of the best children's books I have ever seen. I recommend this to all young people out there who need to gain an appreciation of what a good book looks like. Well done.
January 12, 2018
I'm giving this book a 2.5/ 5 stars.
I loved the illustrations.
My problem was with the story itself.
I don't know if I was just in a reading funk but the words didn't make a whole lot of sense in the order that they were written (does that make sense?). I feel like the author could have written this in a way that was much easier to understand.
I loved the illustrations.
My problem was with the story itself.
I don't know if I was just in a reading funk but the words didn't make a whole lot of sense in the order that they were written (does that make sense?). I feel like the author could have written this in a way that was much easier to understand.
October 6, 2017
Fabulous illustrations, but the text isn't a story so much as a bad poem about gargoyles.
I don't think I'd read this as a bedtime story either (the illustrations might be a little scary for some young readers).
I don't think I'd read this as a bedtime story either (the illustrations might be a little scary for some young readers).
March 28, 2019
A picture book full of scary-looking gargoyles who come down off the cathedral in the dead of night and have a good time together; the art is really something. All pencil, as far as I could tell, which was perfect for the gargoyles.
August 2, 2013
Lovely illustrations, which at times the text seemed to distract from.
February 20, 2018
I love Eve Bunting and David Weisner, but this book just wasn’t for me.
October 30, 2018
Great art! The prose felt awkward at times
February 25, 2019
Sort of noir picture book with fantastic drawings. I love the mood here and the fun gargoyles. I think it's unique and should become a longer story. Not sure it's for little kids, though.
November 5, 2023
"The gargoyles squat / high on corners / staring into space, their empty eyes unblinking / till night comes." So begins the poetic narrative of this striking picture book from author Eve Bunting and illustrator David Wiesner. Leaving their stiff daytime positions, the gargoyles peek into the museum they guard, cavort in a nearby fountain, and frighten the night watchman, before returning to their accustomed places as dawn approaches...
The beautifully evocative text from Bunting, describing the antics of the gargoyles at night, is perfectly matched by the dark-toned but gorgeous pastel artwork of Wiesner in Night of the Gargoyles. As an admirer of both of these picture book creators, I was eager to track down this beautiful but fearsome title, which, although it is not explicitly a Halloween tale, was done in honor of the season. How glad I am that I did, as I found everything about it beautiful. I was reminded of another gargoyle-centered picture book I have read and enjoyed—Dav Pilkey's God Bless the Gargoyles . On the whole, I think I found the Pilkey more emotionally resonant than this one, as it addressed deeper philosophical and religious themes, but aesthetically, from a textual and visual perspective, I think I prefer this one. Perhaps the two could be read together, for two different views on gargoyles.
The beautifully evocative text from Bunting, describing the antics of the gargoyles at night, is perfectly matched by the dark-toned but gorgeous pastel artwork of Wiesner in Night of the Gargoyles. As an admirer of both of these picture book creators, I was eager to track down this beautiful but fearsome title, which, although it is not explicitly a Halloween tale, was done in honor of the season. How glad I am that I did, as I found everything about it beautiful. I was reminded of another gargoyle-centered picture book I have read and enjoyed—Dav Pilkey's God Bless the Gargoyles . On the whole, I think I found the Pilkey more emotionally resonant than this one, as it addressed deeper philosophical and religious themes, but aesthetically, from a textual and visual perspective, I think I prefer this one. Perhaps the two could be read together, for two different views on gargoyles.
November 14, 2021
Not trying to be rude, but was Eve Bunting on crystal meth when she wrote this? Because the illustrations were on point - gargoyles come to life at night and club out and cause mischief and are generally grumpy grumpsters - but the writing felt like bad poetry that tried to rhyme and gave up, so invested heavily in metaphors instead. Lady, at most, kids are gonna read this because they just watched the "Hunchback of Notre Dame". You don't need to talk about how they lick the stars and have "green-pickled tongues" and "swing on branches, da-de-da, and feel the air move cool against their pockmarked stone..." What in the actual tarnation is this???
October 20, 2023
Night of the Gargoyles is a picture book written by Eve Bunting and illustrated by David Wiesner. When night falls, the gargoyles that watch from above all day, come to life so they can play.
I find gargoyles fascinating. The gargoyles in this haunting tale are mischievous as they “creep on stubs of feet…land in sleeping trees…and swoop to where a fountain splashes.” Bunting’s evocative writing coupled with Wiesner’s eye-catching charcoal illustrations tell a playful but dark story. I really love this picture book with its gothic vibes and humor. It is the perfect book for the spooky season for readers of all ages.
I find gargoyles fascinating. The gargoyles in this haunting tale are mischievous as they “creep on stubs of feet…land in sleeping trees…and swoop to where a fountain splashes.” Bunting’s evocative writing coupled with Wiesner’s eye-catching charcoal illustrations tell a playful but dark story. I really love this picture book with its gothic vibes and humor. It is the perfect book for the spooky season for readers of all ages.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews