The Night Tent
on Goodreads (205)
What’s inside...
In 'The Night Tent,' a tale of suspense and mystery, we follow the journey of Elise, a young cartographer who stumbles upon a secretive carnival that appears only at night. As she gets entangled with the eccentric performers and their enigmatic ringmaster, Elise discovers that the tent harbors darker secrets than she could ever have imagined. With each passing night, the boundaries between reality and illusion blur, and Elise must unravel the truth before she becomes a permanent part of the carnival's legacy. Landis Blair weaves a gothic tapestry of intrigue, exploring the themes of obsession, the search for belonging, and the fine line between wonder and terror. Watson, a boy struggling to fall asleep, finds solace in a world under his covers filled with nighttime adventures under a starry, tented sky. He discovers a mysterious light and embarks on a journey guided by the stars, encountering friendly creatures and magical moments, ultimately leading him to sleep. Landis Blair's debut picture book celebrates the exploration of imagination and possibility in the late hours of the night.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the characters felt when they were in the Night Tent?
How would you describe the Night Tent using your own words?
Why do you think the characters chose to spend time in the tent at night?
What would you bring to the Night Tent if you could stay there for a night?
Can you think of a different ending for the story? What would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to use descriptive language by asking them to visualize and describe the setting and characters.
Use open-ended questions to promote critical thinking and personal connection to the story.
Discuss the characters’ emotions to enhance empathy and emotional understanding.
Invite your child to imagine alternative scenarios or endings to foster creativity.
Relate the story to personal experiences or similar stories to make the reading experience more relatable and memorable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Night Tent,' children work together to set up a tent for a backyard campout, demonstrating the power of cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with classmates on school projects or working with siblings to complete household chores.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The story celebrates the imaginative adventures the children experience within their tent, highlighting the value of creativity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their imaginations in play, helping them to develop creative thinking skills that are valuable in problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Overcoming fears
Explanation: As night falls, the characters in the book confront and overcome their fears of the dark, teaching resilience and bravery.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children face their own fears, whether it's trying something new or dealing with anxiety about the dark.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The children learn about the nocturnal animals and the sounds of nature as they spend the night outdoors, fostering a respect for the environment.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to participate in outdoor activities and learn more about the ecosystem, promoting environmental stewardship from a young age.
Example Lesson: Value of experiencing new things
Explanation: The book shows how trying new activities, like sleeping in a tent, can be thrilling and rewarding.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to embrace new experiences, broadening their horizons and enriching their lives.