Night Animals is the perfect marriage of text and illustration in a picture book.
Possum is hiding. Skunk, alarmed, joins him. Together they hide from “night animals.” To their surprise, Wolf, claiming to also be afraid of something bigger and scarier than himself is next to join. Then, to their shock, Bear has the same complaint! Bat reasonably puts an end to their fear frenzy by pointing out that they are all ‘night animals’.
Using blacks, browns, whites and grays that seem to spring off each page, the characters are distinctively (and delightfully!) drawn. With each succeeding animal Possum’s slapstick expressions and repeated ‘playing possum’ poses are hilariously and vividly brought to life.
Night Animals uses traditional comedic devices and story structure brilliantly. This is a perfect read-aloud in a primary or pre-school classroom or at home–particularly at bedtime.
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