Hilda and the Midnight Giant by Luke Pearson
The second in Luke Pearson’s HILDA series of graphic novels once again returns to the Scandinavian countryside and the adventures of Hilda, a blue-haired little girl who lives with her mother in a remote cabin. She spends her days wandering about with her sketchbook, exploring the natural world and the mysterious creatures that live within it.
Mother and daughter are relaxing at home one evening when stones suddenly fly through their windows, and a little voice announces that they’re to leave the premises or be forcibly evicted. There’s no sign of anyone, though Hilda grabs a broom and starts sweeping the invisible intruders to the door — where she’s stunned to see a giant looming over the house.
That’s two mysteries for the price of one, and being as inquisitive as she is adventurous, Hilda doesn’t waste any time in trying to get to the bottom of things.
Not to give too much away in Hilda and the Midnight Giant (2012), but the ensuing story involves a surprisingly bureaucratic society of elves and a poignant search on behalf of a giant for his missing friend. As ever, Hilda uses her wits, courage and kindness to find answers.
The world Luke Pearson has created for his characters is delightful: so simple, and yet so full of warmth and liveliness. It’s especially amusing to watch Hilda attempt to negotiate the hierarchy of elf society — going from mayor to prime minister to king — in order to understand why exactly they want her and her mother to leave.
Along the way there are all sorts of other quirky things to discover, such as the Woffs (creatures that look like flying dogs/tadpoles) or a tiny elfin cat that jumps into Hilda’s hair and leaves her with “nittens”. What the story may lack in suspense or high stakes, it effortlessly compensates for with imaginative world-building.
Hilda and the Midnight Giant is strange and whimsical and unforgettable; the distinctive artwork and loveable protagonist make any of the HILDA books a fantastic present to young readers. I can’t wait to read the next one, Hilda and the Bird Parade.
These sound charming!