Do you remember summer nights when you were a child? Running on bare feet? The grass silk-soft and dewy? Crickets chirping? A bright slice of moon? Fireflies and the first stars?
I remember stretching summer days to their limits — playing, playing — staying outdoors until the sun dipped below the neighbors’ houses and a purple half-light settled over us. There was something so magical and mysterious about summer twilights. The world was still visible, but blurred and beautiful. I remember feeling free.
I still love summer nights and summer twilights. With the heat of the day gone, they are the best times for walking. I love watching as the sky passes through the night rainbow — red-orange, pink, plum, indigo, and jeweled. All around the neighborhood, night creatures awaken. They chirp and croak. They scamper through the flowers. They flicker, hoot, or howl.
written by Sarah Nelson, published by Barefoot Books, 2024
Children love summer nights for all of these reasons, and because school vacations mean extended hours to frolic. If they are lucky, there is also time and space to ramble and to revel. Night, with all its unknowns, excites children’s curiosity. They are fascinated that the world hums on and ticks while they are sleeping. What is out there? they wonder. What are they missing?
Even in towns and cities, our wild planet is exposed on summer nights. It breezes in through open windows. Leaves rustle. June bugs knock against the screens. Raindrops lull. Outside, and in our dreams, fireflies flash their ancient rhythms. And we, too — luminous and transient — hum on and tick like the wild ones we really are.
written by Sarah Nelson, published by Barefoot Books, 2024
Here is a little about my newest nature book, Firefly Galaxy, along with some of my favorite recent titles about exploring summer nights. These books are sure to resonate with children and parents in summertime and to spark curiosity about the many wonders of the night. Happy reading and happy exploring.
Dusk Explorers
written by Lindsay Leslie
illustrated by Ellen Rooney
Page Street Kids, 2020
An ode to childhood summer nights and an invitation to play and explore outdoors. The gorgeous dusky illustrations are packed with diverse children and timeless nighttime fun.
Firefly Galaxy
Written by Sarah Nelson
illustrated by Estrellita Caracol
Barefoot Books, 2024
Sofia and her siblings can hardly wait for nightfall — Sofia hopes to fill a jar with fireflies! When at last Mars flickers, and the owl begins to hoot, Sofia’s family ventures into a dazzling summer night. Luminous pictures. Lyrical read aloud. STEM back matter.
Hush-A-Bye Night: Goodnight Lake Superior
written by Thelma Lynne Godin
illustrated by Katie Eberts
Sleeping Bear Press, 2023
A lullaby to Lake Superior and all its wonders and wildlife. The poetic text makes pleasing use of repetition and rhyme, and the illustrations are colorful and warm. Back matter offers readers a mini field guide to the lake ecosystem.
The Night Walk
written and illustrated by Marie Dorléans
Floris Books, 2021
A family wakes in the middle of the night to hike out of their village, into the countryside, and up and away to the perfect far-off spot to watch the sunrise. Along the way they take joy in playful discoveries and happy togetherness. The story is infused with adventure. The sunrise is a satisfying surprise.
Night Walk to the Sea:
A Story about Rachel Carson, Earth’s Protector
written by Deborah Wiles
illustrated by Daniel Miyares
Schwartz and Wade Books, 2020
After a thunderstorm, Rachel Carson and her young nephew explore the seashore and spot marvelous things, like a bloom of bioluminescent organisms. Awe and wonder permeate this story, and meaningful back matter illuminates Carson’s life and work.
What Color Is Night?
written and illustrated by Grant Snider
Chronicle Books, 2019
Each spread of this charming book encourages readers to notice the subtle, beautiful shapes and colors of nighttime. I like this title especially for very young readers. Its spare, soothing language makes it a perfect summer bedtime book.