The Hidden House

This book was outstanding. It was one of my personal childhood favorites, and for good reason. This book is ideal for parents to read to younger children, and older, more advanced readers will be proud to be able to read it. The language used is descriptive and really sets you in the book, but isn't too hard to read for children of about 6. And if the plot doesn't quite entrance you, the illustrations are remarkable. I highly recommend it for any child!

We loved Waddell's gentle story and Barrett's lovely illustrations. One aspect of the story that we found particularly appealing was the portrayal of the overtaking of the house by nature as interesting and positive--many insects and animals come to live in the house and plants cover the walls and floors. Things get a little green and smelly, but the dolls don't mind because it's so interesting to see the changes. Children of all ages will like this tale of finding a new family to love.

The Hidden House is my favorite picture book because it is such a wonderful, magical tale. If you have ever craved a home of your own, filled with history and character, this is a story for you! The illustrations by Angela Barrett are so evocative. When I read it to my students, they always collectively sigh, once they realize the house is being loved. Read it! You'll love it!

Three dolls witness the restoration of an old man's cottage by a young couple and their daughter. Angela Barrett's illustrations wrap around the text and across the pages, giving an almost Flemish master's touch of color and domestic detail to Martin Waddell's nearly nostalgic but not quite melancholic tale