Nightsong



Last updated Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Author: Ari Berk
Illustrator: Loren Long
Date of Publication: 2012
ISBN: 1416978860
Grade Level: 3rd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Oct. 2016

Synopsis:
Sense is the song you sing out into the world, and the song the world sings back to you.
With these words, Chiro's mother sends him off into the night for the first time alone. It's an adventure, but how will he find his way? And how will he find his way home? As the young bat discovers, navigating the world around him is easy as long as he uses his good sense. This beautiful and touching coming-of-age story, with mesmerizing artwork conveys a heartwarming and universal message: No matter how far away you go, you can always find your way home.

Note to readers:
•  This story is about a young insectivorous (insect-eating) bat.
•  (check back inside cover) The name Chiro (cheero-o) was inspired by the word "Chiroptera" (from Greek, cheir, "hand" and pteron, "wing"), the order name for bats, the only mammals capable of true flight.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What kind of animal is on the cover?
•  Why does it have such big ears?
•  Have you ever seen a bat?

Vocabulary

•  insectivorous - (of an animal) feeding on insects, worms, and other invertebrates.
•  The name Chiro (cheero-o) was inspired by the word "Chiroptera" (from Greek, cheir, "hand" and pteron, "wing"), the order name for bats, the only mammals capable of true flight.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Why does Chiro's mother call him "Little Wing"?
•  Chiro falls into the cold air and then flaps - what is happening here?
•  What is "good sense"? How much can you use "good sense"? (listening for echoes)
•  What does Chiro eat for breakfast and how does that help farmers?

Craft ideas:
•  Make a bat garland using cut out shapes for bats with black paper & attach to yarn or string.
•  Make a bat mask with construction paper using the template provided at http://www.bats.org.uk/publications_download.php/394/Pipmask.pdf (copies will be available at the reading clubs)
•  Draw a scary pumpkin for Halloween to hang in your home.
•  See examples on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/october-2016-crafts/

Special activities:
•  Make echo sounds. Stand facing close to a wall and cup hands behind ears while singing. Can you hear yourself singing?

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!