nighttime reads

To celebrate Anorak and DOT's nighttime themes, we bring to you some of our favourite nightly books that explore what happens when we are off to bed. 

This list was compiled, sourced and reviews written by Annie Goan.

Little Echo / Written and Illustrated by Al Rodin  

Little Echo is used to echoing the many sounds she hears around her in the quaint, dark tucked away cave she lives in. But she desires more than the noises she hears to keep her company; she desires a friend she can talk to. Packed full of charm and emotion, Little Echo is a tale about courage, finding your voice and stepping out of the darkness loneliness brings and entering into the light of friendship. 

Look Up! / Written by Nathan Bryon and Illustrated by Dapo Adeola 

Meet Rocket, an outer-space fanatic and budding astronaut, who warmly reminds us about the importance of switching off from the many screens we are glued to and to switch on our attention to the captivating goings-on of the beautiful natural world outside. This sweet story is packed full of humour, insightful facts about science, space and the beauty that social interaction and getting together brings to our wider communities. 

Rain Before Rainbows / Written by Smriti Halls and illustrated by David Litchfield 

Sometimes in life, we can encounter tough moments that can leave us feeling down and defeated. But thankfully, sadness may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning. The comforting words in Rain Before Rainbows and the book’s beautiful and uplifting illustrations empower us to be hopeful, patient and steadfast in these challenges. We all have bad days, but good ones are never too far behind. 

Starbird / Written and illustrated by Sharon King-Chai 

Starbird is a heart-warming fable packed full of wisdom and profound lyricism, that encourages us all to stand up for what is right. Motivated by greed and selfishness, the Moon King captures our Starbird, who uses his beautiful songs to bring joy to all who hear it. Can his daughter, who sees through the injustice, use her courage to put things right? This vibrant story is the perfect read to immerse little readers before bedtime and to empower them to make a difference in the world around them for days ahead. 

The Bear In The Stars / Written and Illustrated by Alexis Snell 

The Great Bear’s home has been affected by the cold actions of others. As her home gets hotter, she is forced to go in search of new surroundings, new friends and food to sustain herself. Discouragement soon disappears thanks to one small act of kindness. The Bear in The Stars is an encapsulating modern fable which serves as an uplifting response to climate change. 

The Night Bus Hero / Written by Onjali Q. Rauf

What do you do when no one believes you, because your actions in the past have caused them to lose trust, even if you are telling the truth? Written from the perspective of Hector, a bully, who doesn’t care what anyone thinks of him, we find out what it truly means to be empathetic towards people who are less fortunate than us. This books provides a gripping account that will help all of us understand and sincerely pay attention to the people affected by homelessness. 

Sulwe / Written by Lupita Nyong’o and Illustrated by Vashti Harrison 

Sulwe has skin as dark as the midnight sky. Her mother and sister have skin as bright as the shimmering sun. Sulwe wonders what she can do to be more like them. A magical journey through the night sky, and a lyrical fable about celebrating individuality and embracing your own beauty, Sulwe’s soon discovers, she doesn’t have to change and that there is power in who she is. A beautiful empowering story of acceptance, self-love and difference.  

The Unadoptables / Written by Hana Tooke

Fleeing from their orphanage in 1982 Amsterdam, we meet Lotta, Egbert, Fenna, Sem and Milou, five strong-willed best friends determined to stay together. Branded as ‘the unadoptables’ by their contemptable matron and on the verge of being taken away by a gentleman who does not have their best interests at heart, our five friends discover that family may be closer than it seems. This book is riveting and perfect for older readers to value the importance of friendship and perseverance in the face of adversity. 

The Wild Before / Written by Piers Torday

We are introduced to Mooncalf, a calf with an impactful purpose on the world around him. His legendary existence has been passed on to animal to animal through dreams, forewarning them that if anything were to happen to Mooncalf, the earth as we know it will suffer great terribleness. Can Little Hare get through to his community to protect Mooncalf to save our world? Read an empowering tale that encourages us to protect our planet and preserve our wildlife. 

Wild Cities / Written by Ben Lerwill and illustrated by Harriet Hobday

Have you noticed that in our urban world, lurks a vast array of animals who live alongside us? How many do you know about? Wild Cities delves into the captivating stories of animals who have adapted to city life and with a little help from humans can thrive and remain part of our ecosystem for generations to come. Many of the animals featured in this informative book are nocturnal and come alive in the night time. 

 Enjoy!