Night Sounds
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Tucked safely in bed, a child drifts toward sleep listening to the many sounds of nightfall.
Age
5-6
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the different sounds in the night represent? How do they make the characters feel?
Which night sound was your favorite and why?
How do the night sounds change throughout the story? What does this tell us about the environment or time of night?
If you were one of the characters in the book, which sound would you like to hear before going to sleep?
Can you imagine a new night sound that wasn't in the book? What would it be like?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express how the sounds depicted in the book might make them feel, cultivating empathy and understanding. Use a soft, slow voice to mimic the night sounds when reading, helping your child to immerse more fully into the setting. After reading, consider a brief quiet time to listen to the sounds around your own home during the night, drawing real-world connections to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and respecting nature
Explanation: In 'Night Sounds,' the story emphasizes the mysterious and enchanting sounds heard during the night, which helps children appreciate and respect the natural world.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore their own environments, listening to and learning about different sounds, fostering a connection with nature and promoting environmental stewardship.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The protagonist's quest to discover the sources of various night sounds serves as a compelling example of curiosity and the joy of discovery.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to ask questions and explore their surroundings, enhancing their cognitive skills and encouraging a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Overcoming fear of the dark
Explanation: As the character investigates different sounds, they learn that the dark is not as scary as it seems, which helps in overcoming nighttime fears.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson to manage their own fears of the dark, understanding that what might seem frightening at first can become familiar and less intimidating over time.
Example Lesson: Patience and persistence
Explanation: The book showcases the character's patience and persistence in uncovering the truth about the night sounds.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children the value of perseverance and patience in achieving goals or solving problems in their daily activities.