“The Night Walk”
by Marie Dorleans.
Floris Books, Paris, 2020, 32 pages, K-2.
We are so often surrounded by sound that we are unable to stop and listen. This is particularly true with the advent of cell phones and text messages. This constant movement robs us of our understanding of the natural world. Marie Dorleans writes a lovely picture book to counter this trend in modern life. In the book, we see a family getting up before dawn and going for a walk in the country. The name of this comforting book is “The Night Walk.”
A mother wakes up her sleeping children and tells them to get dressed so the family can begin an adventure. The son and daughter drowsily put on their clothes and then follow their parents down the stairs. Outside, it is dark and very quiet. Very little can be seen, so the mother turns on a flashlight and walks in front of the family, showing the way. The father holds the children’s hands and helps them find their way through the darkness. Everything in their village takes on a different shape in the night. Some things are exaggerated and others are muted.
After a while, the family members become accustomed to the darkness and begin to see the shadows of trees, animals and houses. Both parents urge the children forward, but take occasional breaks in the journey to savor the beauty of the nearby forest and lake. Looking up into the Milky Way, the children see the wonders of the night sky and the beauty of the heavens. But the parents have a special reward for the children to see. They continue to push on through the darkness and suddenly, they are near their reward. When it happens, it is wonderful.
What do the parents show to the children? Why is the night just as beautiful as the day? How does the stillness of the night add to the enjoyment of the outing? Have you ever been outside late at night? Did you enjoy it, or was it scary? What do the children learn through their parents’ careful direction? To find the answers to these and other questions, go to the library and check out “The Night Walk” by Marie Dorleans.
This is a beautiful picture book that K-2 children will enjoy. The pictures are in subdued colors that add to the visual experience of the family’s nighttime walk. The text works well with the art and produces a very satisfying experience for readers. This is a comforting, pleasant story to enjoy. It can be shared very effectively in the classroom or in the home. “The Night Walk” has a magical feel about it, and I am sure you will like it as much as I have. Enjoy!
