We’re midway through summer in the northern hemisphere – a wonderful chance to stop and smell the roses, or, as in today’s Perfect Picture Book, savor the sounds of woodland creatures at dawn and dusk.
Title: Night Song
Written By: Mk Smith Depres
Illustrated By: Hyewon Yum
Publisher/Date: Enchanted Lion Books/2024
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes/Topics: frogs, birdsong, self-discovery, community
Opening:
It began each day at dawn.
Thrush. Robin. Warbler.
Their song cut through the cool morning air, echoed off every branch and rock, until it rang so thick, it lifted up the sun.
Brief Synopsis: Bernardo, a frog, loves dawn and the birdsong that ushers in the day. He longs to sing like a bird, until he discovers that his own croaking voice helps the woodland creatures settle down for the night.
Links to Resources:
- Learn about birds and their songs;
- Try these fun frog activities;
- Do you have a song you like to sing? Why do you like it? What makes it special?
Why I Like this Book:
Depres’ lyrical language plus Yum’s delicate illustrations crafted from colored pencils, watercolor, and ink result in a lovely, quiet picture book that’s perfect for early morning and bedtime snuggles. So many of us admire the accomplishments and/or talents of others while failing to realize our own. I love how Depres shows readers the importance of Bernardo’s song, how we need both the lilting birdsong to waken us from dreams and the sonorous frog song to serenade us to sleep.
Find a cozy spot, gather your kids on your lap, read Night Song together, and, if you live in a place near songbirds and frogs, head out and enjoy their songs.
A Note about Craft:
Night Song is about the natural music of the woodlands. Depres’ lyrical language suits the topic beautifully. Interestingly, Bernardo, the main character, doesn’t appear until the third spread. Instead, readers experience the beautiful morning serenade before his appearance, thus helping us realize why Bernardo longs to join the birds’ chorus.
This Perfect Picture Book entry is being added to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book list. Check out the other great picture books featured there!
Wander, Ponder, Write 