Eyes In The Night
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
With a storm on the way, Peter slips outside to cover his rabbits. But tonight there is something different in the air, and eerie calls in the darkness. Is something watching him? On the lawn, beyond the rabbit hutch, he sees a strange humped shape - and suddenly, it moves! This story highlights the rights of our native animals to live without the risk of being attacked and killed by feral cats. Wild cats roam our bushlands and wilderness areas, preying on defenceless native animals. Many species have become extinct due to wild cats and other feral animals.
Why read this book
- Captivating story of survival and wildlife conservation.
- Encourages environmental awareness and empathy in young readers.
- Supports development of reading and comprehension skills.
- Engaging and inspiring narrative for family discussions.
Age
7-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the animals feel during the night and why?
What are some ways the characters in the book help each other? Can you think of a time when you helped someone or someone helped you?
Why is it important to protect wildlife and their habitats?
What did you learn about how animals adapt to the night? Which adaptation do you find the most interesting and why?
If you could be one of the nocturnal animals from the book for a night, which one would you choose and what would you do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your thoughts about the nocturnal world. Ask your child to imagine what it would be like to only see the world in darkness like the animals in 'Eyes In The Night'. Encourage your child to express their feelings about the different situations in the story. Use the illustrations in the book to point out specific details about the animals' adaptations to their environments. End with a practical activity like drawing their favorite scene or writing a short story from the perspective of their chosen nocturnal animal.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: The story's protagonist, a young owl, faces numerous challenges in the dark forest, teaching readers about bravery.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach unfamiliar situations or challenges in their lives with bravery, just like the owl.
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity
Explanation: The young owl's curiosity drives it to explore and learn about its habitat, embodying the spirit of inquiry.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and explore the world around them to gain knowledge and understanding.
Example Lesson: Empathy for animals
Explanation: By detailing the life of the owl, the book instills a sense of empathy and respect for wildlife.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and care for animals in their environment, fostering a sense of responsibility towards nature.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite obstacles, the owl continues to try and learn from its experiences, showcasing the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Teaches children that persistence in the face of challenges is crucial and that learning from experiences is a part of growing up.
Example Lesson: Understanding natural habitats
Explanation: The book educates about the nocturnal activities in a forest, providing children with knowledge about ecosystems.
Real-World Application: Children can develop an understanding and appreciation of different ecosystems and their significance in our world.