Noko and the Night Monster. By Fiona Moody. (Frances Lincoln, Pounds 10.99).
Takadu the aardvark and Noko the porcupine live at the foot of the Mbombo hills. You can share their locality with children by looking at the end-papers, which in soft, warm colours reminiscent of the earth, show the valley of 1,000 anthills, the paperthorn tree and the crocodile river. We visit these places through the narrative about conquering fear. Takadu is afraid of the Night Monster, and one day his good friend Noko asks him to draw a picture of what the monster looks like. It's a strange creature - a combination of all the animals that live around there. Takadu is drawn out to fight the Night Monster on his friend's behalf. Although he is angry when he discovers their trick, the animals celebrate the end of his fear with singing and dancing.
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