Flashlight
Lizi Boyd

In this wordless book, explore a midnight forest by flashlight. A grey-outlined boy emerges from a tent to be your guide, each cone of light revealing wonders like ferns, owls, bats, or ponds with fish and beavers. As the moon travels the night sky, a porcupine climbs a tree and the rufous coat of a fox lights up. What’s that? A deer watching you, while mice make off with some nibbled apples. Readers can peer closely at the unlighted parts of the pages and even look through die-cut holes at a moth, a blossom, or little bugs. Suddenly, the boy trips and animals take over the flashlight, illuminating parts of its owner, showing his yellow boots, tan shirt, and blue jeans. It’s a forest full of enchanting details that adults will love as much as kids. Turn to the final endpapers, black with one glowing red newt--then enjoy this magical forest again and again!
Ages 3 up, 2014

Check it out from your library using the library catalog. Donate to an improved Sebastopol Regional Library here.

Recommended by: Barbara Talcroft
Barbara Talcroft reviews children’s books professionally for childrenslit.com and for Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.  She has a Master’s degree in International Children’s Literature.  She also has many years’ experience as a teacher.  Barbara is one of the founders of LANTERN and its past chairperson.

Night Animals
Gianna Marino

Why are these pages so dark? It’s July--time for camping out overnight. Three pairs of glowing eyes in a forest introduce a skunk and an opossum who’s crept inside a tree to hide. From what? Night animals, of course! Then, to a weird “aaaaarrrrrrrooooo …,” a furry white wolf appears, running from something huge and hairy--it’s a scary bear with long, sharp claws. The little possum tries his playing-dead trick, but watch a bat silhouetted against the moon--he’s telling the terrified quartet there’s nothing to be afraid of. Notice a lighted tent-shape with a voice asking, “Did you hear something?” It’s another kind of night animal, flashing a bright yellow triangle of light! Turn the page to see the paralyzed possum on the ground, with other eyes watching him from a tree. Who knew camping out could be so exciting? Check inside the jacket for an illustrated chart about each adorable gouache-and-ink night animal.
Ages 3 to 7, 2015

Check it out from your library using the library catalog. Donate to an improved Sebastopol Regional Library here.

Recommended by: Barbara Talcroft
Barbara Talcroft reviews children’s books professionally for childrenslit.com and for Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.  She has a Master’s degree in International Children’s Literature.  She also has many years’ experience as a teacher.  Barbara is one of the founders of LANTERN and its past chairperson.