Nature at Night: Discover the Hidden World That Comes Alive after Dark

by Charles Hood

As the sun sets and humanity slumbers, a new world awakens in the dark, filled with spectacular bioluminescence, moon-kissed flora, and diverse wildlife.

While old tales warn us that danger lies waiting in the dark, there is actually an abundance of thriving, colorful life. Solar winds brighten the sky with Northern and Southern Lights. In the desert, elegant datura blooms at night, enticing moths to help with pollination, while in the Rockies grizzly bears make a meal of the insects to sustain them during hibernation. In the ocean, night-feeding dolphins chase nocturnal squid which have made a vertical migration to the surface. In the jungles, jaguars hunt by moonlight while night monkeys swing safely through the trees. Experienced naturalist and photographer Charles Hood captures it all, sharing his nocturnal adventures all over the world, with insight, wit, and over 240 stunning photographs. Open your senses to this darkened world, which is strange yet familiar—and more beautiful than you ever imagined.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Science, Animals

320 pages, Hardcover

Published April 29, 2025

About the author

Charles Hood is the medical director of the radiology department at Laurens County Hospital in Upstate South Carolina. A graduate of the University of South Carolina and Wake Forest University, he has 30 years of physician experience in the specialty of Diagnostic Radiology. For his contribution to submarine history and philanthropy, Charles was awarded the Robert Link National Commander’s Award in 2020. He lives with his wife Anita on Lake Murray near Columbia, South Carolina. Charles enjoys writing, family history, hiking near his hometown of Pickens, reading (especially American history), and guitar.

Reviews

[Tzakouzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel beyond grateful to have had early access to this book. Books like this make life feel whimsical. I was in awe the entire time. If you’re a lover of the night and nature, you will absolutely adore this book.

The photography adds so much to the experience each image beautifully complements the text, making it even more immersive. There’s a lot of information packed in, and at times, my brain needed a break to fully absorb everything, which made my reading pace slower.

The first chapter was definitely my favorite, setting the tone perfectly.

[Raegan Edelman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful exploration of the natural world at night, which dives into some of my favorite creatures including the cookie cutter shark and the vampire bat!! Questions why we do things the way we do, and encourages different schools of thinking.

The feeding habits of animals and the impact of migration is so interesting and always a pleasure to learn more about. Shoutout to the inclusion of bioluminescence, so sick.

Charles Hood is a fantastic photographer, and his photos on almost every page add to the illusion that you’re experiencing these nature walks with him. His prose is engaging and thoughtful and prompts the reader to go outside, learn, and ask more questions.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Nature at Night: Discover the Hidden World That Comes Alive after Dark by Charles Hood

Rating: 4 Stars

As someone who’s always been fascinated by the mysteries of the night, Nature at Night by Charles Hood was a real treat to dive into. This book takes you on a global journey to witness the incredible life that thrives once the sun sets—a world often overlooked or misunderstood. Hood beautifully captures everything from glowing bioluminescent creatures to moonlit flowers and the diverse animals active in the dark, all through his stunning photography and engaging storytelling.

The book debunks the old myth that the night is just a time of danger, revealing instead a vibrant ecosystem alive with color and activity. You’ll find yourself marveling at scenes like the Northern and Southern Lights painting the sky, delicate desert blooms attracting moths under the moon, grizzly bears snacking on insects in the Rockies before hibernation, dolphins chasing squid at night in the ocean, and jaguars stealthily hunting in the jungle shadows. Hood’s firsthand accounts bring these moments to life with a mix of scientific insight and light-hearted humor, making it both informative and enjoyable.

One of the first things that caught my eye was the absolutely gorgeous cover—it's a perfect invitation for anyone who loves night and nature. The photography inside lives up to that initial impression, filled with over 240 breathtaking images that make you feel like you’re right there in the wild after dark. The writing strikes a nice balance, blending factual details with a conversational tone that keeps things interesting without feeling heavy.

If you’re curious about what really goes on when the world sleeps or just want to appreciate some incredible natural beauty, this book is definitely worth checking out. I’m giving it four stars because while it’s a fantastic visual and educational experience, sometimes I wished for a bit more depth in certain sections. Still, it’s a wonderful celebration of the night’s hidden wonders that will leave you looking at darkness in a whole new light.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

The photos are beautiful and the writing is a good mix of fact and humor. It is aimed at children (based on publisher information), but the words-to-photo mix lends itself to middle/high school grades. The writing style is solidly 5-7th grade. I was hoping for more photos and fewer words per page.

The information is great and well organized. This would be a great book for a school library or public library non-fiction children's section.

This unbiased review was given in exchange for an AeRC of the book through netgalley.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This middle to upper-grade book is packed full of amazing photographs and information about nature after the sun goes down. Younger readers will find interest in the pictures and captions. Covering topics as diverse as bird migration, night-flying moths to urban coyotes, and a variety of other night-loving animals, this book is packed with information a nature lover will enjoy. Don't miss the chapter on bats that is robust enough to be its own book. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a review copy.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little disappointed in this one because it didn't have the best organization, photos, or storytelling about the "hidden world that comes alive after dark". I was expecting a mix of the STEM with the stories and a touch of the magic or awe that makes nature awesome. This read blandly and didn't have anything visually to stimulate my reading either. The cover picture was probably my favorite of the bunches in the book but move through animal groups like "pumas, ocelots, and kodkods: a cornucopia of cats" or "fireflies, foxfire, and phosophorescent waves: things that glow in the night".

[Ruba Abu Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wealth of information on the world that awakens in the dark. The writing style is clear, well-researched, engaging and often humorous.

The photographs are stunning, and they go hand in hand with the text to give the reader a fulfilling and joyful experience.

I recommend “Nature at Night” as a valuable reference at libraries, for all ages.

Thank you to NetGalley and Timber Press for the e-ARC.

[Amy Van Oordt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of very interesting facts. Some good tips on seeing things at night. Amusing.
Otherwise, very rambly. Most chapters list specific animals or topics in the title but the chapters are all over the place, not sticking to those specific animals/topics.

[Sesana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fantastic pictures, and crammed full of interesting nature facts. However, the writing can ramble in strange ways, with a lot of off topic asides.