MARGARASH

Margarash, written by Mark Riddle and illustrated by Tim Miller, is unlike any book I've read in a long time. It's quirky, creepy, and impressive in how much adventure and suspense is packed in. At it's heart, Margarash is a folk tale, telling the story of a boy named Collin who collects coins and refuses to listen to his parents about the legendary Margarash, a monster who also collects coins and pulls people deep into the couch should they try to steal them.

One day the boy is searching in the couch cushions for coins when Margarash seizes him by the wrists, pulls him into the couch, and locks him in a cage. Collin spends countless hours locked in the cage with only the specks of light above him to give him hope, and though he begs Margarash to release him, Margarash refuses. Eventually, though, Collin comes up with an idea to get home once and for all.

Miller's paintings are bold, comical, and have just enough darkness to highlight the text perfectly. Miller has proved himself to be an incredibly diverse artist, producing picture books in a multitude of styles, but the rudimentary look of the illustrations in Margarash are particularly spectacular.