The Wolves in the Walls

"Gaiman does here for the older picture-book set what he did for middle-grade readers with Coraline." —Kirkus (starred review)

Lucy is sure there are wolves living in the walls of their house—and, as everybody says, if the wolves come out of the walls, it's all over. Her family doesn't believe her. Then one day, the wolves come out.

But it's not all over. Instead, Lucy's battle with the wolves is only just beginning.

There are sneaking, creeping, crumpling noises coming from inside the walls...

This New York Times Best Illustrated Book combines a deliciously creepy tale, a strong heroine, and a happy ending in a package that only Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean could have created.

There are sneaking,
creeping, crumpling
noises coming from
inside the walls.

Lucy is sure there are wolves living in the walls of their house -- and, as everybody says, if the wolves come out of the walls, it's all over. Her family doesn't believe her. Then one day, the wolves come out.

“Gaiman does here for the older picture-book set what he did for middle-grade readers with last year’s Coraline. Slyly deadpan, rich in language and wordplay.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Cleverly balances humor and spookiness. Gaiman’s text rings with energetic confidence and an inviting tone. McKean expertly matches the tale’s funny-scary mood. Lucy shines as a heroine.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Gaiman’s text rings with energetic confidence and an inviting tone. McKean expertly matches the tale’s funny-scary mood.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“This is a picture book for the twenty-first century child: visually and emotionally sophisticated, accessible, and inspired.” - ALA Booklist

“Children will delight in the “scary, creepy” tone and in the brave behavior displayed by the intrepid young heroine.” - School Library Journal

“Madly inventive, madly funny. Some will find it creepy; for the rest it will offer the sustaining jam of life.” - The Guardian (UK)

“Gaiman, with regular collaborator Dave McKean, suffuses this sumptuous story with a night-light-worthy creepiness.” - Family Fun Magazine

“The illustrations are amazing. And, like every good scary story, there’s an unexpected twist at the end.” - Washington Post

“Spectacular…atmospheric, sinister, scary, and funny…This is a book for cool kids who will grow up to be fearless.” - Sunday Times (London)

“Gaiman has one creepy imagination. Hand this to a jaded third or fourth-grader and watch their eyes get big.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books