Night of the Deer

Autumn has come to the valley when Arabella spots a mysterious buck and doe in the field on the way to school. Arabella’s parents both remark that their grandparents said deer can disguise themselves as humans and move among them. On her ride home from school, Arabella invites the buck and doe to the harvest festival dance her school will host that night. That evening, Arabella arrives to find her school magically transformed for the festival. Just as the music starts, two strangers in odd attire appear and begin to dance beautifully. After a final breathtaking waltz, the pair disappears. Only Arabella sees the man’s antlers as he removes his hat after leaving the festival.

Mary Morel has written a delightful modern-day fairy tale. Here, the text, rich with descriptive language, is more extensive than in most picture books, making it a wonderful choice when time permits savoring a longer story. Furthermore, Mira Miroslavova’s illustrations in dark, muted tones have a distinctive Old World charm that truly complements the magical quality of the story. Just don’t be surprised when little listeners begin watching for their own magical deer.