Description

Reading ages: 2-5 years

Review

‘… This great little book is filled with wonderful descriptive words and alliterations that help engage the reader and give them a real sense of what happens in the bush at night. The connection to our land and culture is evident within the story by the use of native creatures and its inclusion of Te Reo. The illustrations are vibrant and aid in the story telling. The children I read this to liked the fact that the night time pictures were darker which gave them a feeling of what it is like in the bush at night …’ Janine Holcroft, Read NZ

‘… Inspired by author Deborah Hinde’s grandson who struggles to switch off at night, she wrote and illustrated this cute book that makes for the perfect bedtime story for sleepy little ones.

As usual, Hinde’s illustrations are dreamy. The cute critters are full of personality, and are instantly recognisable. The opening double spread, featuring a tūī at dusk, sets the tone. With warm colours and rich in detail, the book is a visual feast. We had a lot of fun hunting out all the creatures – the bumblebee in a leaf hammock, a particular favourite. Packed full of native flora and fauna, the book has the ability to be quite educational as well.

The story is sweet, but not the usual lovey dovey bedtime story that is so common. There’s a hint of drama, but Hinde manages the gentle balance between excitement and relaxation using gentle language, to match the illustrations. It’s lyrical and poetic, lulling those who read it to relax and unwind.

Hinde doesn’t shy away from including te reo Māori, and it was refreshing to see tohutō (macrons) used correctly. While the te reo Māori is fairly basic, for those that aren’t quite sure a helpful glossary spells it out. The pictorial glossary also includes te reo Māori for animals and objects not directly used in the text. It served as a fun additional ‘eye spy’ too, with my children spending a good deal of time trying to spot the exact illustration in the body of the book.’ Rebekah Lyall – NZ Booklovers

Meet Kiwi author and illustrator Deborah Hinde

Deborah Hinde lives with her partner in the small village of Wharepapa South in rural Waikato. She has illustrated more than 70 titles, both fiction and non-fiction with around 40 of these as picture books.

Deborah works from her garden studio where the landscape and wildlife provide a continuous source of inspiration. She writes, illustrates and publishes her own stories under the imprint PictureBook Publishing.

Find out more about Deborah and how to contact her by visiting her author page.