Phyllis Arkle (1910–1997)

This brief chapter-book fantasy, long out-of-print and largely unknown in the United States, concerns the adventures of the "Midnight Inn Sign Club," whose members include the creatures painted on various inn signs, brought magically to life at midnight, and able to escape their confinement, as well as the inhabitants of the local pond. Content to meet, swim and play music, the club members are roused into greater action when they discover a plot to steal a valuable painting from one of the innkeepers...

Magic at Midnight was my first foray into the work of English children's author Phyllis Arkle, who is apparently best known for her series of books about the adventures of the "Railway Cat," and I found it charming. I don't know that I would expend great effort in seeking out other titles by the author, but I am glad to have happened upon this one.… (mer)