• Age: 5 to 8
• Grade: k to 3

Late one afternoon a young Native boy goes exploring over the hills and through the forests beyond his home. At his side, he carries a walking stick and a pouch in which to place interesting objects he finds along the way. But as his pouch fills with treasure and he travels farther from home, the boy begins to hear something strange-a clinking, clicking, rustling sound that seems to be following right along behind him.

Now the boy has a stick, so he can chase away a wild dog or a fox. But what if the sound is a panther...or even a bear? The boy walks faster and faster. The sound gets louder and louder. Terrified, the boy realizes what must be making the terrible sound-the Night Walker! The Night Walker has long, sharp claws and carries a sack to trap all the foolish boys who wander alone at night. Has the dreaded creature come to snatch the boy away? Or could it be something else that has been following him all along? A powerful story with a satisfying ending that will elicit great sighs of relief.

Author Richard Thompson weaves a tale of mystery and suspense with characteristically skillful, rhythmic prose. Martin Springett's sweeping, stylized artwork captures the sense of danger without taking its young audience too far. This is another fine collaboration from the author and illustrator of the best-selling title, The Follower.

Richard Thompson's widely beloved early work within the band Fairport Convention revived British folk traditions, and his duet albums and performances with Linda Thompson are legendary. His songs have been covered by Elvis Costello, David Byrne, Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, and R.E.M., among others. He continues to write and perform, and to tour widely. He lives in New Jersey.

Richard Thompson's profile page

Martin Springett's artwork has graced the covers of many of Canada's great fantasy novels. Jousting with Jesters is the first book he has authored, as well as illustrated. On their own quests for words and wonder, readers of all ages will return again and again to the rich and vibrant world that Martin has created in Jousting with Jesters. Martin lives and works in Toronto, Ontario.

Martin Springett's profile page

"Thompson uses a spare, rhythmic prose style to create a mood of mystery and suspense...The author builds the suspense masterfully, bringing his story to a close in a way which leaves plenty of room for discussion and speculation. Springett's sweeping and stylized paintings match the mood of the tale wonderfully, often employing exaggeration of size to depict the young boy's imaginative landscape. Fox, bear, panther and the dreaded Night Walker are all drawn larger than life. Thompson's text is that of a good storyteller — simple, rhythmic and dramatic. Elementary teachers and librarians should find The Night Walker a successful read aloud. It will be a welcome addition to the elementary library's collection of mythical beast tales and of First Nations' folklore."
— CM Magazine

"A deceptively simple fable the scourge of free-floating fear that never dips into the simplistic. Not only do the words resonate with enviable charm, the drawings are equally awe-inspiring."
— The Hamilton Spectator

"Beautiful and evocative illustrations make this story of a boy's adventures lost in the forest, chased by imaginary fears that disappear with the day, come to life."
— Burnaby Now

"In this cautionary tale, Springett's sweeping illustrations create varying moods through the use of different colour hues. Throughout the story, the illustrator creates differing levels of tension by changing the respective sizes of the characters."
— Canadian Bookseller