Nightsong by Sally Soweol Han
A beautiful homage to the sounds of the bush is presented by author illustrator, Sally Soweol Han. The image on the cover of a bus stopped on the highway, will make readers stop and think about why the bus is there, and what are the bubbles streaming into the night sky.
Lewis is bored in the city. The noises all around him are clashing clicking noises and the interminable conversation of his parents is just tedious. When that finishes it is time to go and leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind him.
In the bus its constant noise makes Lewis sleepy, but when it breaks down they must all alight from the bus. Here in the open, Lewis is aware of different sounds, and wanders off to see how many more he can hear. Sounds now are comforting, recognisable, endearing. He wanders over the fence, following the companionable noses in the night. Noise of the creatures roaming in the night sky, looking for insects, owls fly overhead with their distinctive cry, nighttime animals make small noises in the trees, even the creek makes music and soon they all combine to make a wonderful nightsong.
This is a delightful picture book guaranteed to bring smiles to the faces of the readers, as they too listen closely to the noises about them. Differentiating perhaps between man made sounds and those from natural occurrences, young readers will enjoy some time outside to listen and take in the daysong that they hear, contrasting with the nightsong that Lewis hears.
The illustrations are wonderful, using blacks and charcoal and white to give a realistic image of the night noises heard outside the bus.
I love the double page image of the huge tree, with insects all around, Lewis listening to the nightsong.
Children will enjoy the contrast between city and country life, and the image of Lewis walking across the field collecting noises, a marvellous contrast to the first few pages at odds with the city noises.
Find out more about Sally here.
Themes: City, Rural life, Music, Rambling, Bus travel.
Fran Knight