Night of the Deer

by Mary Kay Morel, Mira Miroslavova (illustrator)

As the old pickup truck clunks down the road, Arabella catches a glimpse of a pair of deer nosing out of the cornfields. "Grandpa used to say that deer are tricksters," Dad says. "They can disguise themselves as people and walk among us." So Arabella smiles and waves hello. When two mysterious and elegant strangers show up at the school's harvest dance that evening, only Arabella guesses their true identities and races into the night to catch them. This new folktale is a celebration of imagination and an ode to the autumn season.

Genres: Picture Books, Fantasy, Fiction

37 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2025

Reviews

[Fieke]

"Autumn trotted into the valley on frosty hooves, turning leaves the color of candle flame. Apples blushed red. Pumpkins glowed like moons."

This is a very nice autumnal story that is pretty in both its language and illustrations. I would frame absolutely every page of this.

The story itself is really short but I liked it.

[Cindy Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this beautifully illustrated book at a new local bookstore, and I am glad I decided to take a chance on it. The story is simple and tinged with lots of autumnal goodness. The deer turning into people to enjoy the seasonal festivities was fun; the images of them dancing will stay with you.

[Kathy Temean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Morel’s Night of the Deer, illustrated by Mira Miroslavova, is a modern folktale infused with autumnal magic and timeless wonder. At its heart is Arabella, a young girl whose imagination allows her to see what others cannot. When she glimpses a pair of deer in the cornfields, she recalls her grandfather’s words: deer are tricksters who can disguise themselves as people. That evening, at the school’s harvest dance, Arabella alone recognizes the mysterious strangers who waltz with otherworldly grace.

I love the atmospheric setting. It captures the cozy charm of autumn—cornfields, harvest festivals, and the golden glow of seasonal change. Children will be drawn in by deer being mystical creatures and Arabella’s ability to see beyond appearances. This is sure to spark young readers imagination and curiosity. Arabella’s insight positions children as capable of perceiving truths adults might overlook.

Mira Miroslavova’s artwork enhances the magical tone, with elegant depictions of the deer and the enchanted dance.

The story reminds readers that wonder and magic can be found in ordinary places in everyday life, if we look closely.

This picture book is best suited for Kindergarten through Grade 3, but its lyrical storytelling and folkloric resonance make it enjoyable for older readers as well. Teachers and libraries will immediately see this book is a perfect read for classrooms and be inspired to use this book to celebrate autumn, during harvest season.

Parents will find it a strong choice for sparking conversations about folklore, imagination, and seasonal traditions.

Night of the Deer is a beautifully written, atmospheric picture book that blends folklore with seasonal charm, encouraging children to embrace imagination and wonder.

“Mary Morel’s story dances between folklore and imagination, leaving readers enchanted long after the final page.”

[TheRetiredSchoolLibrarian |Mrs. Ferraris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: Arabella is riding in the pickup truck with her parents on their way to school when the family spots a buck and a doe in the woods. Her parents share with her the belief that deer walk among them.

On the way home that day, the girl called out to a pair of deer, inviting them to the school's harvest dance that evening. Two strangers appeared and danced the night away. Only Arabella knew who they were.

Comments: This story is beautifully told and wonderfully illustrated, capturing the magic of autumn. It would make a superb read-aloud.

Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Night of the Deer and had a wonderful time sharing this beautiful book with my children. The perfect writing, which is both lovely and elegant, offers a haunting, ethereally memorable interpretation of a traditional folk tale. The illustrations, with their sumptuously rich colors and autumnal tones, truly bring the story to life. I'll definitely be recommending this book to fellow parents.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated book. I love the deer at the dance, absolutely stunning. I knew foxes could turn into people but I didn't know that deer could as well. It's a beautiful story, even if it is a bit too overly descriptive.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stumbling upon this book was a truly wonderful surprise. I loved the seasonally inspired artwork and well-crafted narrative. I teach second grade literature and look forward to sharing this gem of a book with my students.

[Marvin Vingerhoed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prachtig geïllustreerde platenboek of wat het precies is. Mooi lettertype, mooi sprookje. Nieuwe optie van de Oba.
Heel enthousiast over!

[Andi Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeously illustrated autumnal story!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know if I've ever seen a more beautiful picture book. It's just enchanting, from the story to the illustrations. I must find the art of this illustrator!

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a little girl invites two deer to her school's fall party on Halloween night, something magical happens!

Sweet modern fall folktale picture book!

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really pretty and atmospheric.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful art.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated and wonderfully whimsical, the Night of the Deer stands out amongst contemporary picture books

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cool picture book. The language is refined but not so obtuse that kids can’t follow, and the story is simple but fits the autumnal aesthetic very well. The art style is simply gorgeous. It’s really a standout aspect of the book.

My only gripe is that the shiny paper kind of detracts from the color and depth of the art.