The House in the Night
By Susan Marie Swanson
What's special about this book?
Imagine a cozy, glowing world where warmth and light are always nearby—this is what you'll find in 'The House in the Night.' Kids adore the soothing rhythm and illustrations that bring the comforting elements of nighttime to life, while parents appreciate how it encourages feelings of safety and wonder before bedtime. With its enchanting blend of familiar home comforts and the mysteries of the night sky, this book is a beautiful way to wind down the day together.
Read-aloud tips
Set the stage for reading by dimming the lights slightly and snuggling up with soft blankets, creating a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of bedtime. Use a gentle, melodic tone as you read to enhance the calming rhythm of the text, allowing the words to flow like a lullaby. To engage your child, pause occasionally to ask them to identify different objects or lights in the illustrations, inviting them to share their thoughts about what makes their own home feel safe and warm.
Discussion questions
- What are some things you see in the house that make you feel cozy?
- Can you think of a time when you felt really safe at home?
- If you could add one magical thing to your own house at night, what would it be and why?
Fun activities
After reading 'The House in the Night,' help your child create a simple nighttime glow jar using a jar, some water, and a few glow-in-the-dark stickers or small LED lights. This activity not only reinforces the theme of light and comfort found in the book but also allows them to create their own source of light for bedtime. You can also encourage your child to draw their own favorite nighttime scene from their bedroom, discussing what makes it special and how it relates to the cozy feelings in the story.