Nocturnal Project - Living Books Part 1

As per the Bean's request, we've been deeply engrossed in all things nocturnal at our homeschool since the start of the new year. I've learned so much and we're still going strong, so figured I'd better start blogging and just do it in segments.

Thanks to our amazing local libraries, we have a shelf full of informative books about the moon, the stars, and nocturnal animals. Here are some of our favorites that are children's storybooks. The kids are easily engaged in learning night time facts from these living books because they all have amazing illustrations, captivating text. Without further ado, they are presented in Bean's rank order.

On the Moon by Anna Milbourne

This is a great first book of moon exploration. It introduces new ideas and facts about the moon with simple vocabulary. The combination of real NASA photos with cartoon drawings is creative and engaging.



Zoo In The Sky: A Book of Animal Constellations by Jacqueline Mitton

This book tells memorable, brief stories for many of the common animal constellations. The pictures of the constellations include reflective material for the stars, which vary in size depending on how bright they appear in the sky.


Where Are the Night Animals? by Mary Ann Fraser

Beautifully and realistically illustrated, "Where are the Night Animals?" tells the story of several North American nocturnal animals (i.e., barn owl, opossums, tree frogs, skunk, coyote, raccoon, harvest mice) on a typical evening. In additional to contrasting diurnal and nocturnal animals, this book discusses how each of these nocturnal animals have adapted to survive in the dark.

The Goodnight Circle by Carolyn Lesser

Beginning with "day animals" going to sleep, this richly descriptive and poetic story continues through the night and ends with day break. This is a perfect bedtime story as it is highlights the silent times: first when day animals have gone to sleep and before night animals have awoken and second when night animals have gone to sleep and before day animals have awoken. Repetition of saying "good night" and "good morning," encourages participation of even non-readers.

There Once Was a Sky Full of Stars by Bob Crelin

This book will raise your awareness of light pollution. It not only whites out the natural beauty of our night sky, but also it has detrimental effects on the planet and animals. Environmentally conscious readers will find the suggestions helpful and imaginative readers will enjoy looking for hidden images in the illustrated moonlit night, just like they probably do in real life!