In his play, brave and fearless Ben gallantly protects his older sister Anna from a burglar, foxes, wolves, bears, a man-eating monster, and various other imaginary beasts. When darkness falls, however, Ben’s lively imagination conjures up some scary thoughts, and he seeks his older sib ling’s protection from Night in her bed. The energetic, cartoon-style il lustrations depict Ben’s imaginative play and Anna’s varied reactions. The inclusion in the illustrations of small guinea pigs watching and reacting to what is going on adds interest . ca, hc

Originally published in German by Verlag Friedrich Oetinger Germany, in 2004; published as one story in A Princess, A Pirate, and One Wild Brother by Chicken House Great Britain, in 2003. Translated by Oliver Latsch.

Ben is a fearless young boy - as brave as a lion, as strong as an elephant. Nothing can distract him from his tireless task of protecting his big sister, Anna. He gallantly spends his day fending off mouldy green ghosts, slime-burping monsters, robbers and wild beasts.