"This side of the book is safe.
The other side is not.
But the most dangerous thing
on the other side of the book
is the ogre.
If the ogre ever caught me,
he'd eat me up."
Jon Agee is a fine writer, and one who shares irony in many of the books he writes. The gutter of this thoughtful and wise book is a tall brick wall. It separates what is taking place on either side of it. The knight is carrying a ladder and full of assurance that it is the other side that is dangerous. The hippo, tiger and gorilla on the recto seem interested in seeing what is on the other side.
The knight is pleased to have the wall for protection from that other side. The knight remains cheerful and optimistic; readers will know he should be worried. When a tiny mouse sends the seemingly dangerous animals scurrying for their lives, the knight's side of the wall shows rising waters. Despite the change in circumstance, the knight fears only the ogre on the other side.
The knight sees no reason for concern on his side. He has been taught to fear what he cannot see on the other side, especially that fearsome ogre. In the meantime, the ogre is listening to what is happening on the knight's side and provides a helping hand in the nick of time. OOPS! Now, the knight is on the dangerous side of the wall? Or is he?
Perfect pacing, exceptional storytelling ... exactly what I have come to expect from this talented and accomplished man. What is revealed in his illustrations is not always true to the text. That is where the fun lies.
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