The Cow in the Dark at Night, written and illustrated by Jess Hannigan. Quill Tree, Harper. 2026. $25.99 ages 5 and up

"I think I was always meant 
to be awake at night. 

Maybe I'll become a nocturnal cow from now on. 
You can call me Queen of the Nightlife. 

Or Child of the Moon. 
       Maybe Lord of Twilight?"

A plan has been in the works for ages. Finally, the barnyard denizens are soundly sleeping and the cow is 'on the loose', having always wondered about the night's happenings. Tonight is the night to make many discoveries for herself. It isn't long until the cow recognizes that the black cat is alongside. The cow offers assurance that she is completely capable of caring for herself, and her adventure. Her plan is to be home before the farmer realizes she is gone. 

Meeting her first night person (a scarecrow) is a revelation. Though quiet, this person wears a jaunty hat and shows an admmirable style. Next up are two masked robbers, obviously stealing a television set after a break-in. They do their best to avoid her questions and move on. Next up is a vampire whose upside-down position doesn't deter. 

Moving forward, it isn't long until Cow comes upon a 'fellow nocturnal' who turns out to be a space creature with a plan to kidnap the cow, What a mistake! Luckily, the cat has continued to accompany its wayward friend, and is part of the space trip. What is their destination? A big red planet that welcomes them. Is it to be their new home? 

The final scene shows the farmer awakening, preparing for the coming day, and making a terrible discovery. I will leave it to you to get the last laugh! 

Both vibrant and silly, this is just the book that kids will ask to hear on repeat. They may even shout warnings to the cow as it makes its way around the barnyard. Such a goofy cow, and a nighttime adventure that offers up giggles galore. A black cat adds expression, humor, and a certain sense of protection for the meandering cow. As in her two previous books, Spider in the Well (2024) and The Bear Out There (2025), Ms. Hannigan uses cut-paper collage to create her wonderful artwork, this time in oranges, purples, and greens.