Night Cars
on Goodreads (104)
What’s inside...
Night Cars is a beautifully illustrated and lyrical book that explores the city at night through the perspective of a young child. The narrative follows the soothing sights and sounds of the urban landscape, as the child rides on his father’s shoulder and watches the snow fall onto the bustling streets below. The father explains the different noises and lights, from taxis swishing through the slush to the early-morning garbage trucks. Teddy Jam's prose and Eric Beddows's illustrations capture the magical moments between sleep and waking, making it a warm and witty tale for a cold winter's night.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Father
The Baby
Discussion points
What did you notice about the different cars described in the story? How were they alike and different?
How did the story make you feel when the night cars were moving through the city?
Can you think of a time you saw or heard something at night? What was it like?
Why do you think the author chose cars to tell this night-time story?
What do you imagine the city sounds like at night, based on the descriptions in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing, relate the night-time noises and sights in the book to those familiar to your child’s experiences to make it more relatable.
Encourage your child to describe their feelings about the story, and share your own thoughts to foster a two-way conversation.
Ask your child to draw a picture of a night car or their own version of a night-city scene, using details from the book to enhance their understanding and connection to the story.
Before turning to a page with a vivid description of the city at night, ask your child to predict what sounds or sights might appear, building anticipation and interactive engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Comfort in Routine
Explanation: The rhythmic sounds of night cars passing by in 'Night Cars' offer a calming, predictable backdrop that helps the child in the story feel secure enough to fall asleep.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to find reassurance in their own daily routines, whether it's a bedtime story or a lullaby, to help them wind down and feel secure.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Small Moments
Explanation: The book celebrates the seemingly mundane moments of nighttime traffic, showing that even ordinary things can have beauty and significance.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to notice and cherish small moments in their lives, such as a quiet evening walk or raindrops on a window.
Example Lesson: Soothing Power of Sounds
Explanation: The continuous sound of night cars serves as a lullaby for the child in the book, demonstrating how noises often perceived as noise can have soothing effects.
Real-World Application: Parents can help children use environmental sounds, like rainfall or rustling leaves, as relaxation tools to aid in calming activities or falling asleep.