Nighttime Symphony
What’s inside...
The sounds of the city at night create a lively lullaby in this melodious bedtime story from superstar producer and musician Timbaland, Caldecott Honor–winning illustrator Christopher Myers, and Kaa Illustration. A little boy gets ready for bed amidst a wild storm, with the crash of thunder, pitter-patter of raindrops, and the beat of passing cars providing a cozy bedtime soundtrack that lulls him to sleep.
Age
2-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Father
Child
Discussion points
What sounds do you hear at night? How do they make you feel?
Can you imagine creating a song using the sounds in the book? What would it include?
Why do you think the author chose to highlight nighttime sounds?
How do the illustrations help tell the story of the nighttime symphony?
If you could add another sound to the nighttime symphony, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before you begin reading, spend a moment to discuss with your child what sounds they hear around them at night. This will make the connection to the book's theme more personal.
Encourage your child to close their eyes and listen carefully as you read aloud. Later, ask them to describe or draw what they imagined.
Discuss the different emotions that nighttime sounds evoke. This can help children understand and articulate their feelings better.
After reading, you can create a fun activity by trying to replicate some of the sounds in the book using household items, enhancing sensory experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing creativity
Explanation: Through the rhythmic text and engaging illustrations that interact with the concept of nighttime sounds, 'Nighttime Symphony' highlights how everyday sounds can inspire creativity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to use their surroundings as a source of inspiration, fostering creativity by imagining stories or songs based on what they hear around them.
Example Lesson: Comfort with the dark
Explanation: The book uses music and soothing night sounds to transform the nighttime from something scary into something beautifully orchestral.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to develop a positive association with the dark, reducing bedtime anxieties and promoting a peaceful night's sleep.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for music
Explanation: Timbaland weaves music through the narrative to create a poetic symphony made up of the natural sounds at night, nurturing an early appreciation for music.
Real-World Application: Children can explore different types of music and sounds, which can help enhance their auditory skills and emotional expression through the appreciation of different rhythms and melodies.
Example Lesson: Understanding of the natural world
Explanation: By emphasizing the rhythmic patterns of rain and wind, the book offers insights into the natural world and its cycles.
Real-World Application: This lesson can spark curiosity about weather patterns and natural phenomena, leading to educational discussions and further exploration about nature.