If you saw this year's animated feature-length adaptation of Coraline and hated it, you should read this book. If you saw the movie and loved it, you should definitely read this book so you can kick yourself later for liking the movie so much.
Where the film's Coraline was whiny and petulant, the book's heroine is smart and resourceful, if a little lonely and bored. Her parents are not the bitingly impatient workaholics (who are crazy enough to move right before a critical deadline), but simply busy and tired from moving. Don't even get me started on Whyborn, or should I say Why-are-you-here-except-to-muck-up-the-ending?
If you can break away from the movie, or better yet if you haven't seen it, you'll find Coraline (the book) is funny, smart, and more than a little freaky. The deliciously creepy illustrations have a chilling effect late at night when you're tucked under the covers, as well they should with a terrifying Other Mother determined to sew buttons on to replace your eyes. You'll cheer for Coraline each time she discovers another clue, your heart will pound along with hers as she runs for her life, and when the story eventually ends, you can't help but wish for more.
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