After Dark

Reach for this book when your child expresses anxiety about the dark or wonders what happens outside their window after bedtime. It serves as a gentle bridge between the known world of the day and the mysterious world of the night, transforming fear of the unknown into quiet curiosity. By focusing on the busy, natural lives of nocturnal animals, it reframes the night as a productive and peaceful time rather than something to be feared. This nonfiction selection introduces children to various creatures like owls, bats, and foxes, explaining their unique behaviors in simple, comforting language. It is perfectly calibrated for the 4 to 6 age range, using clear vocabulary to build knowledge about the natural world. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's wonder while providing a soothing, educational wind-down experience that makes the shadows feel a lot more friendly.