Night City
What’s inside...
An hour by hour look at some night workers in a city that never sleeps, including fire fighters, a museum night watchman, musicians, and newspaper pressmen. A colorful and lavish picture book chronicles the nighttime goings-on of a bustling metropolis from hour to hour, devoting each spread to a new scene, some lively and some quiet, in which people live active lives despite the evening hours.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you like most about the bustling city depicted in the book?
How do the colorful illustrations make you feel about the night city?
What kind of adventures would you like to have in a city like this?
Can you imagine what the city sounds like at night based on the story?
Which character in the book would you like to meet and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe the scenes in their own words, fostering a deeper connection to the story.
Discuss the different characters and their roles in the city, asking your child who they relate to the most.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene from the book, which can lead to a discussion about the details they found most interesting.
Create a fun atmosphere by using props or costumes that match the theme of the night city while reading the book together.
Use the book as an opportunity to compare the night city to your own town, discussing similarities and differences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Community
Explanation: In 'Night City,' the vibrant illustrations and engaging narrative showcase various nocturnal workers and their roles in keeping the city functional. This emphasizes how every job contributes to the community.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the different roles people play in their community and understand the value of teamwork and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Understanding Nighttime
Explanation: Through exploring the city at night, the book educates young readers about the night as a busy, lively time rather than something to fear, expanding their understanding of day and night cycles.
Real-World Application: It can help children feel more comfortable during the nighttime, reducing fear of the dark and sparking curiosity about the natural world.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The protagonist's journey through the night city encourages curiosity and exploration, showing the beauty and activities that occur after dark through engaging storytelling.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be inquisitive and explore their own surroundings, thereby enhancing their observational skills and fostering a sense of adventure.
Example Lesson: Diversity and Inclusion
Explanation: As the protagonist meets various characters from different backgrounds working at night, it introduces the concept of diversity and teaches the importance of accepting and celebrating differences.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children to be more accepting and inclusive, promoting social harmony and understanding in diverse settings such as school and community events.
Example Lesson: Value of Hard Work
Explanation: The book highlights various workers performing their duties diligently throughout the night, underscoring the importance of hard work and responsibility.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the significance of diligence and a strong work ethic which can be applied at school or in daily tasks, fostering responsibility from an early age.