Secrets of the Stars: 15 Bedtime Stories Inspired by Nature

A beautifully illustrated collection of 5-minute bedtime stories about the wildlife that comes out at night.

Every night reveals a thousand secrets... In this charming anthology of children's stories by Alicia Klepeis readers will be guided under the light of the moon to meet the amazing animals that come out when we're all asleep. In one story a lost wolf pup has to find its way back to its pack, while another looks at a flying fox as it goes for a midnight swim. Kids will be thrilled by the pineapplefish who has a flashlight built into its mouth, and marvel at a dung beetle that navigates by looking at the stars!

Other stories feature American alligators, Fennec foxes, wombats, snowy owls, bushbabies, flying frogs, luna moths and even a rat making its way across a sleeping city. All of these nighttime animals and their habitats are brought to life with impressive skill by illustrator Jennifer Falkner.

Each story in Secrets of the Stars is based on the real biology and behavior of these amazing wild animals, and at the end of each tale readers will find out more about the science that inspired the story. So as they drift off to sleep, they will know a little bit more about the animals that are waking up and beginning their day.

The cover features a timeless design with silver foil and a cloth texture, making this book the perfect gift.

Author: Alicia Klepeis,Neon Squid
Publisher: Neon Squid
Published: 10/07/2025
Pages: 160
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.95lbs
Size: 10.20h x 8.60w x 0.90d
ISBN: 9781684494514
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 10/01/2025 pg. 89
Kirkus Reviews 10/01/2025

About the Author

Alicia Klepeis loves to research fun and out-of-the-ordinary topics that bring the world to young readers--from amazing animals to extreme environments. Alicia began her career at the National Geographic Society. She is the author of more than 200 children's books, including Go Wild! Frogs; Gutsy Girls Go For Science: Astronauts; Polar Bears & Penguins: A Pretty Cool Introduction to the Arctic and Antarctic; and Secrets of the Forest: 15 Bedtime Stories Inspired By Nature. A former middle school teacher, Alicia loves doing school visits. She lives with her family in upstate New York.

Jennifer Falkner is an illustrator based in Perth, Western Australia. Jennifer's work is inspired by a passion for Australian flora and fauna, and a childhood playing and exploring the beach and the bush in Western Australia. In more recent years Jennifer has juggled motherhood and a growing body of work in illustration for children.