Review - If You Were Night

If You Were Night
by Mượn Thị Văn
illustrated by Kelly Pousette
Date: 2020
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

A poetic and evocative exploration of the natural world at night illustrated in illuminating paper-cut dioramas.

This dreamlike picture book asks the question: if you were night, what would you do? If you saw the moon tiptoe past your window, would you nestle under the covers? Or would you step outside to follow it? What if you felt a tail brush your ankle, would you freeze? Or skitter away? And if you saw an owl swoop from a branch, would you hide? Or join the hunt? All the while, the child pictured in the book chooses adventure, and thrillingly experiences a night like no other.

From the award-winning and acclaimed author Mượn Thị Văn comes a lyrical and evocative exploration of the natural world at night. The poetic language of the text engages all the senses as it gently poses questions that pull readers' imaginations outdoors, where night creatures roam and everything seems different. Kelly Pousette's intricate paper-cut dioramas, intriguingly presented with shadows and darkness falling around them, are packed with charming details for children to investigate. This unique and thought-provoking book is sure to encourage observation and spark curiosity --- and many conversations. A wonderful read-aloud or bedtime story, this book also ties in beautifully with primary lessons about the natural world.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a simple, gentle picture book that explores the idea of what a child might do if they personified the night.

The concept is a little bit abstract, and I'm not exactly in love with the writing, but the pictures more than make up for the narrative's shortcomings. The cut-paper illustrations are detailed yet soft, bringing to life a nocturnal world full of busy critters.

I'd recommend this one to fans of cut-paper illustration, as well as to parents who are looking for a good book for winding down at bedtime.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing a digital ARC.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.5 out of 5