Nora At Night, written and illustrated by April dela Noche Milne. Kids Can Press, 2026. $21.99 ages 3 and up

 

"For brunch, Nora would help her papa make eggs, 
rice, bacon, grilled tomatoes, and (sometimes) 
empanadas.

It wouldn't have been so bad if her 
papa didn't also watch nature and 
animal shows at the same time."

It takes no time at all after Nora wakes in the morning for her ears to be inundated with the sounds of her very noisy family. Even the cat scratches at her door for entrance. Her parents are up and having coffee, her twin sisters are rising filled with excitement for a new day. It is a cacophony of loud sound! 

Once breakfast is consumed, the noise continues with phone calls, the vacuum, her family in the bathroom getting ready for the day while she is trying to take a comforting shower. The afternoon means a trek to the park and the endless noise of people at the pool there. A quick stop at the grocery offers squeaky cart wheels, loudspeaker information, chat with friends, and the endless beep as groceries are scanned for payment. Outside again, it's traffic noise, and talking. Poor Nora. Upon arrival at home, she has had all she can take and lets everyone know it is just too LOUD for her. 

Evening is decidedly different. She goes to her room where there is no sound. She can listen at the window to the sounds of the coming night. 

"There were no clamorous 
cars: only raccoons scrounging 
for food in the bushes outside, 
the branches brushing against 
the windowsill." 

Nora reads quietly on the floor, away from TV shows, laptop sounds, visitors, and sisters playing quietly together as the day winds down. Later, Mama comes in to share lullabies as Nora settles in to sleep and dream. Waking in the middle of the night to share the soothing sounds of everyone's snoring is perfect. 

Ms. Milne's artwork is 'rendered in pencil and Procreate' and invites readers to share in the chaos of a busy and bustling family whose days are full. Plentiful onomatopoeic sounds add appeal and empathy for Nora as she navigates a day that is an assault to her ears and her head. Discussion following reading this story will lead to focusing attention on listeners' experiences and their response to the world's sounds around them.