The Night Animals by Sarah Ann Juckes

Sarah Ann Juckes’ middle grade novel, The Night Animals, is a beautiful exploration of our determination to always be strong and “fine”, even when faced with difficult circumstances. Through gentle story-telling that shimmers with hope, readers see that everyone needs help sometimes and come to understand what it really means to be strong.

Nora’s mum struggles with PTSD from her job as a paramedic. She is haunted by stressful situations and often hides away to try to cope. Nora is left to care for her mum, but also for herself. She feels alone but is hesitant to ask for help. They are “fine”.

When Nora is visited by ghost animals, she starts to realise that things need to change. With her new friend, Kwame, she begins to discover what she didn’t know she was looking for. Together, they are brave, determined, and hardest of all, honest.

The irridescent fox, hare, raven and otter who visit Nora at different times in her journey are full of wonderful symbolism. Each has something to reveal to Nora and teach her about her life with her mum. As she allows these creatures to lead her, she discovers so much about who she is and what she needs to do to survive.

The Night Animals would be a lovely class book for building empathy and challenging children to look at their friends with an attitude of helpfulness. Who isn’t really “fine”? Who feels alone? Who is sad? Who can I make a difference to today? With accessible writing that will draw in every listener, it would be perfect for Year 4 or 5 to share together. This story will also challenge adults to watch for the Noras in their own classes. Often, we don’t know the full story of what is going on at home. Children may be wanting to tell us but don’t know how to share that things are “fine”.

The rainbow-edged ghost animals, illustrated by Sharon King-Chai, are beautiful. Children will love them. There is so much scope for discussion about why they have appeared, the symbolism of each creature and how they help Nora. Art, writing, the symbolism of animals in other cultures, and PSHE discussions about mental health will develop so naturally from this wonderful text. It is the kind of book teachers can let breathe in the classroom – see what questions arise, follow children’s lead, give it time and space to develop into a meaningful shared experience.

I hope many teachers will decide to share this lovely book with their classes. It is sure to stay with children long after they’ve finished reading it.

Thank you to Ellen Abernethy and Simon & Schuster Children’s for an early copy of this special book.

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