rules of the house

“Follow the rules.

Brush your teeth.

Make your bed.

And never

Ever

Open the red door.”

Rules of the House: an eerie cautionary tale about following the rules, sibling loyalty and when one trumps the other.  Mac Barnett's dry and slightly dark humor pairs well with Matt Myers' detailed and foreboding paintings.  Myers' every stroke and layer of color are carefully considered, and they effectively heighten mood and suspense in the latter part of the story.  To tell you the truth (and maybe it was because I first read this book late at night), at one point, I was a little scared for Ian and Jenny.  I don't want to spoil the plot for you all, so I won't say too much more.  But, one thing I learned—ALWAYS pack a toothbrush.