Night Animals

On sale: July 14, 2015
Age: 3-5 years
Grade: Up to Kindergarten
Page count: 40 Pages
ISBN: 9780451469540
Reading level: Lexile: AD250L

Gianna Marino spent her early years galloping horses through Golden Gate Park and writing stories of her adventures. She has traveled throughout the world and now lives in Northern California, where she writes and illustrates full time. Visit Gianna at giannamarino.com.

RAVE REVIEWS FOR NIGHT ANIMALS

* “Truly remarkable illustrations clearly convey the book’s raucous activity and feature beautifully rendered animals standing in sharp contrast to pitch black backgrounds…This eye-catching, slapstick foray into the worrisome night will light up the room with smiles.” – Booklist, starred review

* "Every page is visually funny, with hilarious close-ups and slapstick animal postures…A giggle-inducing new gem for the night-fears bookshelf.” – Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“A good title to share with children who may be afraid of the dark to help them see the lighter side of fear.” – School Library Journal
 
“In Marino’s sweet-tempered nocturnal comedy, large, scary animals flee from the threat of still larger and scarier animals…Bonus visual subplots involves Skunk’s stench and Possum’s tendency to... play possum. The spreads are polished, the story moves fast, and the laughs keep coming.” – Publishers Weekly

PRAISE FOR FOLLOWING PAPA'S SONG:

"...exuberant and gorgeous..." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"...a heartwarming reminder of how children learn to trust and listen for papas’ songs in our lives." —School Library Journal, starred review

"This beautifully executed book about the bond between father and child that can be as deep as the darkest sea and powerful enough to help navigate in times of trouble will resonate with readers both young and old."  —Kirkus, starred review

"A gorgeous, comforting book that provides a lovely counterpoint to Marino’s Meet Me at the Moon (2012)." —Booklist

 

PRAISE FOR MEET ME AT THE MOON:

"Marino's breathtaking panoramas make an already powerful story sing." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"The textured mixed-media art paired with the flowing text elevates this title above most missing-mama fare ... Radiating warmth and comfort, this distinguished title strikes home." —Kirkus, starred review

"Heartfelt and sincere, yet never cloying, this will work well one on one or in story hours." —Booklist

 

PRAISE FOR TOO TALL HOUSES:

"The animals are full of heartfelt emotions, from anger and frustration to happy contentment...This story about friendship and togetherness contains a great lesson without being didactic or moralizing and should be welcome in most collections." —School Library Journal, starred review

"The well-turned, dialogue-rich narrative complements the sunny visuals, making this an excellent choice for one-on-one or group read-alouds...Another winner for rising star Marino."  —Kirkus, starred review

“…a story of friendship that youngsters can understand and relate to.” —Library Media Connection