“The Bad Days seem to be happening more and more, meaning Mum’s too tired to make breakfast, or too sad to get out of bed sometimes.”
That’s a sentence to break any parent’s heart.
In The Night Animals, Sarah Ann Juckes skilfully manages the tricky task of writing in language that is simple yet evocative, accessible to young readers without putting off older children.
Nora, lonely and troubled, finds comfort in the company of fantastical nocturnal creatures who embody her fears and insecurities.
We start with the rainbow shimmer of a ghost fox, who leads Nora to Kwame, a new friend and ally.
One by one the ghost animals – hare, raven, otter – come when Nora needs them most. They show her that she is not alone, and teach her how to ask for help.
Sarah Ann Juckes weaves a tale that is heartwarming and thought-provoking.
The Night Animals is a must-read for children and adults alike, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, there is always room for hope, healing, and the comforting presence of fantastical friends.
Sharon King-Chai beautifully captures the feelings that Nora is experiencing through her sensitive illustrations. (Olya Baklan writes).
The technical stuff:
Reading age: 9+
The Night Animals, by Sarah Ann Juckes, illustrated by Sharon King-Chai is published by Simon & Schuster, price £7.99
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