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Lady in the Water: A Bedtime Story
Reveals the narf, a rare sea nymph who lives beneath a swimming pool until she is seen by a person who, after that experience, will someday do something important for the world.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published June 21, 2006
4 people are currently reading
407 people want to read
About the author
M. Night Shyamalan
18 books227 followersManoj Nelliyattu Shyamalan, known professionally as M. Night Shyamalan, is an Indian American writer-director of major studio films, known for making movies with contemporary supernatural plots that usually climax with a twist ending. He is also known for filming his movies (and staging his plots) in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Shyamalan released his first film, Praying with Anger, in 1992 while he was a New York University student. His second movie, the major feature film Wide Awake, made in 1995 but not released until 3 years later, failed to find financial success. Shyamalan gained international recognition when he wrote and directed 1999's The Sixth Sense, which was nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.
Subsequent films include Unbreakable, Signs, The Village, Lady in the Water, The Happening, The Visit, Split, Glass, Old, Knock at the Cabin, and Trap.
Shyamalan co-wrote a book with Nicholas Sparks in 2025.
Shyamalan released his first film, Praying with Anger, in 1992 while he was a New York University student. His second movie, the major feature film Wide Awake, made in 1995 but not released until 3 years later, failed to find financial success. Shyamalan gained international recognition when he wrote and directed 1999's The Sixth Sense, which was nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.
Subsequent films include Unbreakable, Signs, The Village, Lady in the Water, The Happening, The Visit, Split, Glass, Old, Knock at the Cabin, and Trap.
Shyamalan co-wrote a book with Nicholas Sparks in 2025.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
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August 29, 2016I didn't read this, but if it's anything like the movie's Prologue, it's golden. Accompanied with James Newton Howard's music and David Ogden Stiers' voice, what follows becomes truly magical:
Once, man and those in the water were linked. They inspired us. They spoke of the future. Man listened and it became real. But man does not listen very well. Man's need to own everything led him deeper into land. The magic world of the ones that live in the ocean and the world of men separated. Through the centuries, their world and all the inhabitants of it stopped trying. The world of man became more violent, war upon war played out, as there were no guides to listen to.
Now those in the water are trying again — trying to reach us. A handful of their precious young ones have been sent into the world of man. They are brought in the dead of night — to where man lives. They need only be glimpsed — and the awakening of man will happen.
But their enemies roam the land. There are laws that are meant to keep the young ones safe — but they are sent at great risk to their lives. Many do not return.
Yet still they try — try to help man. But man may have forgotten how to listen.
Once, man and those in the water were linked. They inspired us. They spoke of the future. Man listened and it became real. But man does not listen very well. Man's need to own everything led him deeper into land. The magic world of the ones that live in the ocean and the world of men separated. Through the centuries, their world and all the inhabitants of it stopped trying. The world of man became more violent, war upon war played out, as there were no guides to listen to.
Now those in the water are trying again — trying to reach us. A handful of their precious young ones have been sent into the world of man. They are brought in the dead of night — to where man lives. They need only be glimpsed — and the awakening of man will happen.
But their enemies roam the land. There are laws that are meant to keep the young ones safe — but they are sent at great risk to their lives. Many do not return.
Yet still they try — try to help man. But man may have forgotten how to listen.
November 28, 2014
Found it randomly in my large stack of books so I read it. Never saw the movie but apparently it was one of Shyamalan's weaker movie entries (after all, not every movie he does can be as good as 6th Sense). Anyway, I am giving the story a 3 stars but I'll bump it up to 4 because I really like the creepy illustrations. Wish it was a bit longer though.
July 20, 2010
I know I am probably in the minority, but I loved this movie. I was intrigued when I found out there was a book to accompany it. I rather like the book although it wasn't quite what I expected. It's not a picture book of the movie, but it's like the story the one character might have read, telling the story of the narf and other creatures (it's been a while since I've seen it). It has a lot of charm, and I liked the illustrations (although I wish they had been bigger). A nice, imaginative bedtime story. Good for early grade school.
September 16, 2018
I really liked the film and was looking forward to reading the story that it was inspired by. Keeping in mind that this is supposed to be a children's picture book, I think it is spectacular.
September 18, 2022
This book is for kids.
I repeat: this is for KIDS. It's a fairy tale M. Night wrote for his daughters. You have to know that going into it.
In that same vein, the movie Lady in the Water is unlike any of his other movies. It's strange and different, but at the same time it has a lot of depth and nuance that you don't see at first.
Technically, the book exists separately from the movie - both can be experienced without the other. But absorbing them both is a great idea, because I really liked the book, too.
It's a fairy tale, and because of that there are a lot of strange magical terms and creatures that do seem a touch odd. But, at its core, this is a story about the power one person holds to inspire another to change the world. The artwork is full of so many great details, and that last page - chills all over.
5/5 stars.
I repeat: this is for KIDS. It's a fairy tale M. Night wrote for his daughters. You have to know that going into it.
In that same vein, the movie Lady in the Water is unlike any of his other movies. It's strange and different, but at the same time it has a lot of depth and nuance that you don't see at first.
Technically, the book exists separately from the movie - both can be experienced without the other. But absorbing them both is a great idea, because I really liked the book, too.
It's a fairy tale, and because of that there are a lot of strange magical terms and creatures that do seem a touch odd. But, at its core, this is a story about the power one person holds to inspire another to change the world. The artwork is full of so many great details, and that last page - chills all over.
5/5 stars.
March 1, 2022
A bedtime story for who? This appears to be a picture book but if this is a bedtime story for kids, don't expect them to sleep, ever. I didn't mind it as an adult but I would never read this to children. If you know the author's work in film, imagine that in a picture book and there you go. Not suitable for children in my opinion.
January 15, 2020
I did see the movie first, and it became a quick favorite of mine. The story and score, so hopeful. I had to get the book once I heard it existed. The book while very brief, is a lovely little story and piece of art that will always have a place on my shelf.
December 17, 2023
Yep, the narf and scrunt are present and correct.
March 1, 2018
Ok... I loved the movie. It was actually my favorite of Shyamalan's simply because it was so different than everything else he'd done. I'm not a horror fan. Even his brand of "WTF Just Happened" kind of horror, which is better than slasher/jump horror. But I love odd, quirky fantasy. And this film was just that. So when I heard there was a book inspired by the film (and not just the novelization or sort of crap, but a real legit book), I had to check it out.
Aaaaand I'm glad I borrowed it rather than bought it. Because as awetastic as the film was, I found the book seriously lacking. I was hoping it would be an extension of the movie. Like the full-length bedtime story referenced in bits and pieces throughout the film. Maybe even narrated by the old lady from the movie who knows the story. I was hoping the book would go more in depth about the legend and such. Maybe explain a few things that weren't touched on in the film but still raised questions. Maybe some new info. I was actually really excited to delve deeper into this odd little tale.
Such was not the case. The writing was choppy and read like a series of notes or a very early draft of the greater story that would eventually become the movie. The illustrations were actually kind of creepy. And there was a hell of a lot of white space going on. I think this was meant to evoke the same dreamy sense of the movie, but it fell flat. Like seriously, face-plant. And for some reason the questions that popped into my head during the movie, but didn't faze me too bad because I was able to suspend belief for the fantastic story, bugged the hell out of me while reading the book. Such as: Those grass-wolf monsters...where do they go in winter? Do they change color/texture like certain breeds of birds and rabbits? Do they hibernate? What? And have any of them ever had unfortunate encounters with lawn mowers? Cause I know if there's a bumpy bit in my lawn, I'm gonna mow the crap out of it until it's no more. And how the *bleep* can a supposed sea creature (salt water, I assume) survive in a chlorinated pool? I mean, if you drop a sea critter into your backyard pool, you're going to have one dead critter in a very short time. Basic biology, people. Maybe I'm reading too much into it. I should do like the song says and let it go.
I'm not sure of the target audience for this book. Not kids, for sure. And not fans of the film either. Guess it really was more of a vanity piece after all. Bummer.
The good news is this book was not memorable in the least. Merely a minor blip on my literary radar. So I can go back to loving the film without having it be tainted by a bad book adaption/companion.
Aaaaand I'm glad I borrowed it rather than bought it. Because as awetastic as the film was, I found the book seriously lacking. I was hoping it would be an extension of the movie. Like the full-length bedtime story referenced in bits and pieces throughout the film. Maybe even narrated by the old lady from the movie who knows the story. I was hoping the book would go more in depth about the legend and such. Maybe explain a few things that weren't touched on in the film but still raised questions. Maybe some new info. I was actually really excited to delve deeper into this odd little tale.
Such was not the case. The writing was choppy and read like a series of notes or a very early draft of the greater story that would eventually become the movie. The illustrations were actually kind of creepy. And there was a hell of a lot of white space going on. I think this was meant to evoke the same dreamy sense of the movie, but it fell flat. Like seriously, face-plant. And for some reason the questions that popped into my head during the movie, but didn't faze me too bad because I was able to suspend belief for the fantastic story, bugged the hell out of me while reading the book. Such as: Those grass-wolf monsters...where do they go in winter? Do they change color/texture like certain breeds of birds and rabbits? Do they hibernate? What? And have any of them ever had unfortunate encounters with lawn mowers? Cause I know if there's a bumpy bit in my lawn, I'm gonna mow the crap out of it until it's no more. And how the *bleep* can a supposed sea creature (salt water, I assume) survive in a chlorinated pool? I mean, if you drop a sea critter into your backyard pool, you're going to have one dead critter in a very short time. Basic biology, people. Maybe I'm reading too much into it. I should do like the song says and let it go.
I'm not sure of the target audience for this book. Not kids, for sure. And not fans of the film either. Guess it really was more of a vanity piece after all. Bummer.
The good news is this book was not memorable in the least. Merely a minor blip on my literary radar. So I can go back to loving the film without having it be tainted by a bad book adaption/companion.
June 8, 2012
Time for my Wednesday Night Working with Celeste on the Kid's Floor review of a picture book!
Previously on WNWwCotKF:
The Purple Kangaroo
The Third Gift
So, I remember the big stink about this movie a few years ago, and knowing M. Night Shyamalan is sort of hit or miss with me, I didn't go see it or even catch it on dvd. I'm kinda glad I didn't.
From what I understand, that movie came about because this is a bedtime story M. Night made up for his children.
Time to leave well enough alone. As a spontaneous story you tell your kids, I think it would have been great and creative.
The book...well, the illustrations are minimalistic, atmospheric and emotive. (I was too lazy to think of another -ic adjective.) I liked them a lot.
The story...well, it's caught between clever and wtf for me.
Previously on WNWwCotKF:
The Purple Kangaroo
The Third Gift
So, I remember the big stink about this movie a few years ago, and knowing M. Night Shyamalan is sort of hit or miss with me, I didn't go see it or even catch it on dvd. I'm kinda glad I didn't.
From what I understand, that movie came about because this is a bedtime story M. Night made up for his children.
Time to leave well enough alone. As a spontaneous story you tell your kids, I think it would have been great and creative.
The book...well, the illustrations are minimalistic, atmospheric and emotive. (I was too lazy to think of another -ic adjective.) I liked them a lot.
The story...well, it's caught between clever and wtf for me.
February 27, 2013
I really wanted to like this book. I wanted to like it so much that after I read it silently, I started reading it out loud. It didn't get better.
There seemed to be a lot missing. Like a plot. The narrator warns of a mysterious woman who lives under pools (a narf) whose goal in existence is to bring the right person to his/her full potential. There's a eagle-like bird who takes her to the ocean at some point. There are grass monsters who can hurt her. There are monkey-like creatures who can hurt the grass monsters if they break the rules. But WHY do we want to know about a narf? WHY are we left hanging with an ending that promises there's so much more to know about this world, but NOT in this book?
This is one of those rare times I enjoyed the movie far more than the book.
There seemed to be a lot missing. Like a plot. The narrator warns of a mysterious woman who lives under pools (a narf) whose goal in existence is to bring the right person to his/her full potential. There's a eagle-like bird who takes her to the ocean at some point. There are grass monsters who can hurt her. There are monkey-like creatures who can hurt the grass monsters if they break the rules. But WHY do we want to know about a narf? WHY are we left hanging with an ending that promises there's so much more to know about this world, but NOT in this book?
This is one of those rare times I enjoyed the movie far more than the book.
February 12, 2009
This lovely book is the basis for Shyamalan's movie of the same name. The art is wonderful and subtle, giving just enough and letting your imagination fill in the rest. The story is the same, hinting at an amazing, sometimes dangerous world that is part of our own but rarely seen for more than an instant. It is reminiscent of Neil Gaiman, a bit creepy but not to scary to be read at bedtime, with plenty for the imagination to work with at any age.
September 5, 2014
I have liked this book since the first time I stumbled across it in the children's section of my public library. I enjoy reading it to my students every year. Very cute. The kids always get it way better than the Adults do.
June 5, 2022
I don't know what this is.
It's not a story for adults, because it's not interesting, thoughtful, or informative. It's not a book for children because it tells them that their lawn is actually a monster with poisonous claws. And honestly, it's not even really a story.
At best, I could say it's the description of three or four vaguely interesting creatures in a fantasy world that is also our own. And, if you happen to own a pool, this story might be relevant to you. If you don't, then, according to the story, you'll likely never accomplish anything world changing.
That said, the art is fantastic and if you are a fan of the movie this is based on (or perhaps it's the other way around), it's worth the few minutes it takes to read.
It's not a story for adults, because it's not interesting, thoughtful, or informative. It's not a book for children because it tells them that their lawn is actually a monster with poisonous claws. And honestly, it's not even really a story.
At best, I could say it's the description of three or four vaguely interesting creatures in a fantasy world that is also our own. And, if you happen to own a pool, this story might be relevant to you. If you don't, then, according to the story, you'll likely never accomplish anything world changing.
That said, the art is fantastic and if you are a fan of the movie this is based on (or perhaps it's the other way around), it's worth the few minutes it takes to read.
July 24, 2019
I looove this movie and so do my girls. So when I saw that there was a book I wanted to read it. I have heard this was originally the bedtime story he told his kids before he decided to make it into a movie. The movie is so much more in depth with the story involved and the book is a shallow representation of what happens. For instance, talking about the Scrunt and Narf and why a Scrunt would go against the rules and attack a Narf it says “because there is a reason” and “you do not need to know that right now.” So yeah. Pretty disappointing. Most of my stars are because I love the movie.
July 20, 2020
A huge fan of the movie. This book could be a great introduction to the movie for kids. Illustrations are beautiful and text is from the movie or the movie is from this book. May not be exciting for those who do not care for this story, movie, etc. Great backyard fairytale for anyone with a lawn, a pool, and trees.
July 9, 2021
Nice to see the genesis of the idea for the movie. MNS has great ideas, very imaginative. Fabulous illustrations by Crash McCreery, the character designer behind such movies as Jurassic Park, Edward Scissorhands, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Lady in the Water.
February 4, 2024
OK, just a fair warning.
It's based off the film. It's not the story that was told in the beginning of the film.
And dude, seriously? What even is that cover?
The pictures make no sense in the book, and you can barely see what's going on.
It's based off the film. It's not the story that was told in the beginning of the film.
And dude, seriously? What even is that cover?
The pictures make no sense in the book, and you can barely see what's going on.
January 10, 2026
3.7★
we heard this in class and although it was fast, i'm so used to hearing audiobooks at least 2 times faster so i was almost falling asleep, the sounds were so soothing as well. the bell was annoying, though
we heard this in class and although it was fast, i'm so used to hearing audiobooks at least 2 times faster so i was almost falling asleep, the sounds were so soothing as well. the bell was annoying, though
June 2, 2017
Love this creepy twisted tale.
May 17, 2018
This book is beautifully illustrated. It's a very quick read and you wouldn't have to see the movie to enjoy the book itself. However, I bought it shortly after seeing the movie, which I loved.
August 23, 2018
A very dark tale for children. Pure fantasy but dark.
April 27, 2019
2.5 stars
March 22, 2021
Movie is better
December 29, 2025
creepy as hell in a fun way. the illustrations are gorgeous. if i had read this when it first came out, it would have messed my four year old self up.
November 7, 2017
There is someone living under your pool.
I'm an M. Night fan, and enjoy the movie this book is tied to, so I appreciated the book as an inherent extension. With that said, the book has some large flaws as it is more premise than story. It's essentially the sketch of the story, and doesn't really resemble a narrative.
As a child's imaginative storybook, and as part of the movie's 'universe', I think it's quite good.
Now here's the bad part.
There is someone in your backyard who means to stop her.
I'm an M. Night fan, and enjoy the movie this book is tied to, so I appreciated the book as an inherent extension. With that said, the book has some large flaws as it is more premise than story. It's essentially the sketch of the story, and doesn't really resemble a narrative.
As a child's imaginative storybook, and as part of the movie's 'universe', I think it's quite good.
Now here's the bad part.
There is someone in your backyard who means to stop her.
April 13, 2015
Full disclosure: I loved the film, Lady in the Water. I know, I know, everyone else hated it. Not me. But then again I've enjoyed every film Shyamalan has written AND directed through 2008. After that, well, The Last Airbender - need I say more? Anywho, I loved the film inspired by this story, which he first told to his kids before pursuing it for the screen; thus, I fully expected to love this book just as much.
While the story was as good as the movie, the illustrations, or lack thereof was mind boggling. SO much white space. SO many pages with about an inch of black text drowning in nothing but blank page. Why create an illustrated children's book if only 28% of its pages will feature a picture? It seems like a waste of glossy, probably really expensive paper. I will add, though, the 18 illustrations were PERFECT for the story.
I was conflicted about my rating. On the one hand, I loved the story; on the other, I was extremely disappointed about the lack of illustrations. In the end, I referred to my own personal rating system and settled where I did:
2.5 stars
While the story was as good as the movie, the illustrations, or lack thereof was mind boggling. SO much white space. SO many pages with about an inch of black text drowning in nothing but blank page. Why create an illustrated children's book if only 28% of its pages will feature a picture? It seems like a waste of glossy, probably really expensive paper. I will add, though, the 18 illustrations were PERFECT for the story.
I was conflicted about my rating. On the one hand, I loved the story; on the other, I was extremely disappointed about the lack of illustrations. In the end, I referred to my own personal rating system and settled where I did:
2.5 stars
April 22, 2008
I am a HUGE M. Night Shyamalan fan. I just wanted to tell you this right away because I am biased. My favorite attribute of his movies are the pace. He's never in a rush and he gives his audience credit for having minds in which to think with. Intelligent movies in my favorite genre type. Back to this little gem for any Shyamalan collector. The artwork is sparse, but it tends to make you pay attention to what is there. The story is a "modern fairytale". Often, when I see this written somewhere it tends to be old fairy tales with modern elements. Shyamalan's happens to be original. (told you I was biased) A world where direction, purpose, and magic aren't being lost, but have been. Destiny is something we only read about now, it's never been a part of our lives. This book(along with the movie), brings back the comfort of having a role to play in life, and what surprises that might bring.
February 7, 2017
M. Night's poolside modern fairy tale gets the children's book treatment in this gentle and somewhat bewildering bedtime story.
I am one of those few people who actually liked Lady In the Water (but none of his movies since, alas for what could have been), though it's been a few years so I don't know, especially since I thought this bedtime story version of his modern fairy tale fell flat for me in a lot of ways. It has nice soft illustrations and a strong start, but once the mythology gets going it all sort of falls apart. I know a fairy tale doesn't have to make sense, but come on. You can practically read the pretentiousness. But The Boy liked the "doggie" (which is NOT scary...), and it's a quick and evocative read. Whatever.
Also: Narf? Pinky and the Brain, anyone?
I am one of those few people who actually liked Lady In the Water (but none of his movies since, alas for what could have been), though it's been a few years so I don't know, especially since I thought this bedtime story version of his modern fairy tale fell flat for me in a lot of ways. It has nice soft illustrations and a strong start, but once the mythology gets going it all sort of falls apart. I know a fairy tale doesn't have to make sense, but come on. You can practically read the pretentiousness. But The Boy liked the "doggie" (which is NOT scary...), and it's a quick and evocative read. Whatever.
Also: Narf? Pinky and the Brain, anyone?
December 30, 2022
Next time one of you hoes asks me why it's so hard to get published in children's fiction Immuna point!
Jeeeeeesh.
If I hadn't seen the movie, I'd yeet this sucker. Like, my deep love of the movie is the only thing keeping this from being a two star.
Ight. To recap. We have a child who has a pool. There's a Narf who builds a house under it. The Narf has to be seen by someone (maybe you, reader) then she can go home with a big eagle. There's a hyena who wants to kill her, and the hyena is scared of 3 monkeys who killed their parents. Sssh, just let it happen, small child. You're probably the vessel.
Absolutely the eff not for children. Heck yes to the the movie! The illustrations are breath taking!
Jeeeeeesh.
If I hadn't seen the movie, I'd yeet this sucker. Like, my deep love of the movie is the only thing keeping this from being a two star.
Ight. To recap. We have a child who has a pool. There's a Narf who builds a house under it. The Narf has to be seen by someone (maybe you, reader) then she can go home with a big eagle. There's a hyena who wants to kill her, and the hyena is scared of 3 monkeys who killed their parents. Sssh, just let it happen, small child. You're probably the vessel.
Absolutely the eff not for children. Heck yes to the the movie! The illustrations are breath taking!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews