It’s Halloween, but Olivia has no one to go trick-or-treating with. She decides to go out alone.
At first it’s a little scary to walk around all by herself, but the further Olivia goes, the braver and braver she becomes. Still: The big house behind the gate is spooky – maybe even a little bit extra spooky tonight. This is a picture book about fear, courage and unexpected friendship, for children aged 6 and up. It is beautifully Illustrated by Marianne Gretteberg Engedal.
The verbal text and images convey the atmosphere in a way that makes the book appropriately exciting and scary for its target audience. An exciting and thought-provoking book that appeals to both younger and older readers.
The jury of The Ministry of Culture's prize for children's and young adult literature.
Talk about being hypnotized by a cover! With a gaze that both entices and warns, we are led through the gate towards a darkened house, which, in contrast to the fluorescent title, exudes danger. We’re actually afraid to follow, but we also can’t resist. The illustrator’s use of color is original and playful, fearless and bold, just like the main character of the book. This is so incredibly beautifully executed!
The jury of Grafill's Most Beautiful Books of the Year
Lovely Halloween aesthetics… Heartbreakingly believable.
Periskop
Beautiful illustrations make this book a fall gem that all Halloween skeptics should treat themselves to.
Vårt land
Wise and clever about daring to venture into the world.
Klassekampen
Behind the Black Gate received the gold award in the Most Beautiful Books competition. “Talk about being hypnotized by a cover! With a gaze that both entices and warns, we are led through the gate toward a darkened house. We don’t really dare to follow, but we can’t resist either.”
The Grafill Jury statement, 2022
