If You Were Night

A poetic and evocative exploration of the natural world at night illustrated in illuminating paper-cut dioramas. This dreamlike picture book asks the question: if you were night, what would you do? If you saw the moon tiptoe past your window, would you nestle under the covers? Or would you step outside to follow it? What if you felt a tail brush your ankle, would you freeze? Or skitter away? And if you saw an owl swoop from a branch, would you hide? Or join the hunt? All the while, the child pictured in the book chooses adventure, and thrillingly experiences a night like no other.

From the award-winning and acclaimed author Mượn Thị Văn comes a lyrical and evocative exploration of the natural world at night. The poetic language of the text engages all the senses as it gently poses questions that pull readers' imaginations outdoors, where night creatures roam and everything seems different. Kelly Pousette's intricate paper-cut dioramas, intriguingly presented with shadows and darkness falling around them, are packed with charming details for children to investigate. This unique and thought-provoking book is sure to encourage observation and spark curiosity --- and many conversations. A wonderful read-aloud or bedtime story, this book also ties in beautifully with primary lessons about the natural world.

Author: Muon Thi Van
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Published: 09/01/2020
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 9.20h x 10.30w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781525300141
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 06/15/2020
School Library Journal 08/01/2020 pg. 67
Booklist 09/01/2020 pg. 114
Publishers Weekly 11/02/2020

About the Author
Muon Thi Van is the critically-acclaimed author of In a Village by the Sea, which was a JLG selection and the winner of the 2016 Northern California Book Award for Best Picture Book. Her second book, The Little Tree, received starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly. Muon lives in Northern California with her family.