If You Were Night, written by Muon Thi Van and illustrated by Kelly Pousette. Kids Can Press, 2020. $19.99 ages 3 and up

 

"If you were night

and you heard a frog bellow 

and another croak, 

would you hop away quickly? 

Or would you drum

your heart's desire, too? 

Young children turn their imaginations to thinking about those things that rarely enter an adult's mind. When was the last time you thought about being night? The questions posed by Muon Thi Van about taking on a night persona are sure to encourage both inventive and critical thinking in listeners who hear her questions. 

How would it feel, and how would children act if they were night, or morning, or summer, or whatever? Each thoughtful question inspires readers to consider the various scenarios presented. They beg them to think clearly about the sounds that might be heard at dusk, in the still of night, or as sunrise peeks over the horizon. There is much to consider, depending on where a child lives. What are the night noises where you are? 

"If you were night

and you felt an otter splash, 

would you shrink from the cold? 

Or would you dive in 

and let go of your worries, too?" 

Art to accompany the delightful questions 'was created with paper-cut pieces and dry media in a diorama format, and colored with pastels.' Besides taking the time to carefully consider each of the many scenes created to complement the questions, readers might consider giving a diorama a try on their own. The use of light and shadow creates a mood that adds mood and context. Imaginative, provoking quiet thought, and with a calm tone, this is a terrific bedtime tale.