This lively tale offers an ingenious solution to conquering children’s nighttime fears. Vivacious Katie Honors welcomes readers into her fun-filled days of play dates and cozy family snuggles. However, even this ebullient youngster can be overcome by the late-night worries that strike when the lights go out. Vail transforms this nebulous angst most children experience at some point into a tribe of mischievous critters called Jibberwillies. When Katie’s attempts to chase these gremlins away with good thoughts fail, she calls in the reinforcements: her mom. With bucket in hand, the duo “collect” the troublemakers and promptly toss them out the window. Heo’s full-color artwork uses deep and vivid hues to convey Katie’s rising anxieties. Her depictions of the Jibberwillies verge on intimidating and intense but effectively serve to validate Katie’s—and the reader’s—fears. With its clever resolution and understanding tone, this vibrant tale is a terrific antidote to things that go bump in the night. (Picture book. 4-8)
