Grimloch Lane is a pretty drab place. William lives there in an orphanage. But one night, a topiary owl appears trimmed into the tree outside his window! He and the townspeople grow more excited and social as different animals appear every night. Will William ever meet the Night Gardener? 
 These are truly beautiful illustrations (done in graphite and colored digitally), with an incredible ability to show glowing light just via contrast and shading. The muted, almost-but-not-quite monochromatic palette of the night scenes is simply lovely. 
 (view spoiler)[Story-wise, I appreciate that William did meet the gardener, but he didn't get adopted for a happily-ever-after. Instead, he got a tool (his own clippers) and an awakened artistic urge. I love books about kids realizing their creative potential. (hide spoiler)]