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Night Lunch

2022
by
3.77
on Goodreads (743)

What’s inside...

Night Lunch follows the whimsical adventure of a young boy who discovers a hidden midnight market run by animals in his neighborhood. As he befriends these animal vendors, he learns valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and the magic found in everyday life. A mysterious cook whips up midnight meals for fellow night owls in a lavish lunch cart while a hungry mouse looks on in this atmospheric picture book inspired by the forerunner of food trucks and diners. Noses sniff the air as mouthwatering smells waft down city streets, luring growling bellies to the Night Owl. Inside this elegant, horse-drawn establishment, a feathery cook works the grill, serving up tasty dishes for shift-workers and operagoers - a mince pie for Fox, a ham sandwich for Badger and puddings for little Possums. Mouse, a poor street sweeper, watches as the line of customers swells, ever hopeful that someone will drop a morsel of food -- but Owl's cooking is far too delicious for more than a crumb to be found. As the evening's service winds down, weary Owl spots trembling Mouse. Has he found his own night lunch, or will he invite this small sweeper inside for a midnight feast for two? From the imagination of two acclaimed picture book creators, together for the first time, this dreamlike picture book is a magical ode to Victorian lunch wagons. Evoking the sounds, sights, smells and tastes of the city at night, Night Lunch reveals how empathy and kindness as well as dignity and gratitude can be found -- and savored -- in the most unexpected places.
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

4-8

Length

48 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

What was your favorite part of the 'Night Lunch' story and why?
How do you think the characters felt during their night-time adventure?
What would you pack for a night lunch if you were going on an adventure?
How did the characters work together in the story, and why is teamwork important?
Can you think of a time when you did something exciting at night? How was it similar or different from the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking them to describe their favorite character from the book and why they liked them.
Connect the story to your child’s experiences by discussing any meals or activities they enjoy during the night, like camping or having a picnic.
Highlight the importance of teamwork in the story and relate it to everyday situations like family chores or school projects.
Ask your child to draw a picture of their own 'Night Lunch' setup or write a short story about their ideal night-time adventure.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Importance of sharing
Explanation: In 'Night Lunch', characters share their meals and snacks with each other during their nocturnal feast, demonstrating generosity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing their own snacks or toys with friends, fostering a sense of community and kindness.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: The story showcases various animals coming together to enjoy a meal, highlighting how friendships can cross traditional boundaries.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to befriend others from different backgrounds and cultures, promoting inclusivity and understanding.
Example Lesson: Creativity in problem-solving
Explanation: Characters in the book come up with inventive ways to gather at night for their lunch, showing resourcefulness and innovation.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think creatively when faced with challenges, whether in play or during their daily routines.
Example Lesson: Importance of trying new things
Explanation: Throughout 'Night Lunch', characters experiment with different foods, illustrating the joy of discovery.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore new foods, activities, or ideas, enhancing their experiences and learning.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature and nighttime creatures
Explanation: The book provides knowledge about nocturnal animals and their habits, fostering respect for nature and wildlife.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to learn more about the environment and the importance of preserving it for all creatures.

Night Lunch by Eric Fan