About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their child begins asking questions about nighttime, animals, or life in other parts of the world. "A South African Night" gently addresses this curiosity by drawing a beautiful parallel between two different worlds: the nocturnal animals in Kruger National Park and the sleeping people in the city of Johannesburg. As the sun sets, the wild animals begin their day of hunting and grazing, and as the sun rises, they go to rest just as the city's inhabitants wake up. This simple, cyclical narrative fosters a sense of wonder and a basic understanding of ecology and global diversity. For ages 3 to 7, Rachel Isadora's rich oil paintings make it a visually captivating and calming bedtime story that introduces new vocabulary and concepts in a peaceful, observational way.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
One scene depicts a lion with its kill (a zebra). The approach is direct and naturalistic, not gory or sensationalized. It is a secular, observational book with a realistic, cyclical resolution that mirrors the natural world. There are no other sensitive topics.
Ideal Reader
A curious 4-to-6-year-old who is fascinated by animals and is starting to understand the concept of day versus night. It is perfect for a child asking questions like, "What do animals do while I'm sleeping?" or expressing interest in faraway places. It can also serve as a calming bedtime book for a child who feels a bit anxious about the dark, framing night as a normal, active time for others.
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