Out at Night
What’s inside...
Follow a young red squirrel as it explores its forest habitat during the nighttime, encountering various creatures and adventures along the way.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
20 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the animals might feel being out at night?
Can you imagine what the world looks like to them in the darkness?
How do you think the story would change if it happened during the day?
What was your favorite part of the adventure, and why?
If you could ask the animals one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a calm and curious tone to make the discussion more intriguing for the child.
Relate the night-time settings in the book to any of the child’s own experiences of being outside in the dark.
Encourage the child to think about their senses—ask what they think they might see, hear, or feel if they were part of the story.
After reading, consider going on a safe, short evening walk to explore familiar surroundings in a new 'light'—it will make the story more relatable.
Make connections between the story and the child’s bedtime routine to discuss nighttime as a safe and restful time.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of bravery
Explanation: The characters in 'Out at Night' face challenges that require them to be brave and face their fears head-on.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach new or intimidating situations with courage, understanding that being brave can lead to personal growth and new experiences.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters rely on each other, demonstrating the strength of teamwork and mutual support.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of building strong relationships and how cooperation can help overcome obstacles.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The setting of 'Out at Night' allows children to explore the nocturnal environment, emphasizing the need to respect and appreciate the natural world.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in activities that promote environmental conservation and learning more about the wildlife in their own communities.