The Midnight Man
What’s inside...
Every night, when Harry and Mister Dog are asleep, the midnight man comes riding by. At Harry's window, he pauses to fling a sackful of stars into the sky, then he rides on, with Harry and Mister Dog chasing after him. They chase the midnight man over bridges, under arches, through the trees, and to the very end of town where he disappears. They drop off to sleep, and the moon carries them gently back to their beds. The story presents an enigmatic bedtime fantasy with poetic language but leaves lingering questions about the nature of the midnight visitor and the safety of the child and dog.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Midnight Man represents in the story?
How did the characters' feelings change throughout the book?
What would you do if you met the Midnight Man?
What is the most important lesson the Midnight Man teaches?
How can we apply this lesson to our everyday lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive tones and facial expressions when discussing the more mystical parts of the book to enhance the magical aspect of the story.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of the Midnight Man as they imagine him, which can lead to a deeper discussion about the character’s traits and intentions.
After reading the story, ask your child to summarize it in their own words, which can help clarify their understanding and appreciation of the themes.
Connect the themes of the book to real life situations your child might face, which can make the lessons more relatable and impactful.
Discuss your own interpretations of the story and compare them with your child’s to foster a richer conversation and multiple viewpoints.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: In 'The Midnight Man', the protagonist confronts mysterious shadows and sounds in the night, learning to overcome fear and face the unknown bravely.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to manage their own fears, whether it’s trying something new or facing the dark at bedtime, fostering bravery and confidence.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity
Explanation: The book encourages curiosity as the protagonist explores nocturnal mysteries, showing that curiosity leads to understanding and knowledge.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and explore their world, which is fundamental in science and education, enhancing their learning and critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Value of problem-solving
Explanation: As the protagonist encounters various challenges, he uses clever thinking to navigate them, demonstrating effective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think on their feet and approach obstacles in their daily activities creatively, improving their decision-making and adaptability.
Example Lesson: Empathy and friendship
Explanation: Throughout the adventure, interactions with different characters reveal themes of empathy and building friendships, fostering social and emotional growth.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to be considerate of others' feelings and perspectives and to value the relationships they build, crucial skills for personal and social development.