In the Night Garden
What’s inside...
Late one evening, three little girls prowl, growl, and let their imaginations soar. One girl imagines herself as a bear with sharp, white teeth, another as a whale, steady and strong, and the third as a sled dog, sleek and lean. Barbara Joosse’s exciting nighttime tale is perfectly enhanced by Elizabeth Sayles’s vivid full-color illustrations.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the garden changes from day to night?
What are some of the favorite things you spotted in the night garden?
How do you feel when you imagine yourself in a garden at night?
What creatures do you think might live in the night garden, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, take a moment to discuss with your child what they know about gardens, emphasizing the differences between day and night.
Encourage your child to describe the garden imagery using their senses, asking what they might see, hear, or smell in a night garden.
As you go through the book, pause to ask your child about the emotions and feelings evoked by different scenes, fostering empathy and emotional understanding.
After reading the book, consider stepping outside into your own garden or nearby park during the evening to explore and compare it to the night garden in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Imagination
Explanation: In the 'In the Night Garden,' the story demonstrates the power and freedom of a child’s imagination as they explore a nighttime world of wonder.
Real-World Application: Children can use their imaginative skills to solve problems creatively and perceive the world in unique, personal ways.
Example Lesson: Value of Adventure
Explanation: The characters in 'In the Night Garden' embark on various adventures, teaching children the excitement of exploring new experiences.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious and adventurous, exploring their surroundings and learning from their environment.
Example Lesson: Learning to Express Emotions
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters express a wide range of emotions, illustrating the importance of sharing how they feel.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to communicate their feelings effectively and develop emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Cooperation and Friendship
Explanation: The characters often work together to solve problems, illustrating the importance of teamwork and building friendships.
Real-World Application: It helps children understand the value of cooperating with others and building strong interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fears
Explanation: As the characters venture through the night garden, they confront and overcome various fears, showing bravery.
Real-World Application: This can help children to face their own fears and understand that overcoming challenges is part of growth.