Turn On the Night
on Goodreads (150)
What’s inside...
A captivating exploration of nocturnal wonders, 'Turn On the Night' is a journey through the magic and mystery of the night-time world. The story follows a child's adventure under the starlit sky, discovering the beauty of nature and the creatures that come alive when the sun sets. A wordless book that celebrates a child’s imaginative freedom. A little girl falls asleep and in her dream becomes a huge gray wolf, like the one in her bedtime story. Out the window she leaps, and a marvelous nighttime adventure unfolds. She visits the rooster in his coop, and invites him to hop upon her back and together they run through the night. A reindeer joins in the fun, until the three are suddenly stopped in their tracks by a giant dazzling star. The reindeer climbs upon the wolf, and the rooster upon the reindeer to reach the star, then they carry it home, where it brings all kinds of light to the little girl’s world. This vibrantly illustrated wordless picture book is a celebration of the inspiration and freedom to be found in stories, dreams and the imagination. Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts.
Age
4-6
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Child (Unnamed)
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the night adventure in the book and why?
How do you think the girl felt when she turned on the night, and what would you feel in her place?
What are some differences you noticed between day and night in the story?
Why do you think the animals behaved differently at night?
If you could add one thing to the night sky in the story, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about nighttime and what they imagine it to be like.
Encourage them to describe the illustrations and relate them to the feelings or atmosphere they create.
After reading, connect the story to your child's bedtime routine to make the story more relevant and engaging.
Let them draw their favorite scene or character from the book and explain why they chose it.
Discuss the importance of nighttime in the natural world and how different living beings adapt to it.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: In 'Turn On the Night', the protagonist works together with a group of newfound friends to achieve a common goal. This collaboration is key to the story’s resolution.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of cooperating with others to achieve common goals, be it in school projects, sports teams, or family activities.
Example Lesson: Courage to Explore
Explanation: The main characters embark on a fantastical adventure, showing bravery in exploring unknown worlds.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be curious and brave about exploring new subjects and areas, whether it’s trying a new activity or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters encounter various challenges that require creative problem-solving to overcome.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this to their own lives by developing critical thinking skills to solve daily problems or academic challenges.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Nighttime
Explanation: The book presents the night as a time of beauty and wonder, rather than something to fear.
Real-World Application: This can help alleviate fears of the dark and encourage a positive perspective about nighttime, promoting better sleep habits.