Secrets of the Stars: 15 Bedtime Stories Inspired by Nature

by Alicia Klepeis, Neon Squid, Jennifer Falkner (illustrator)

A beautifully illustrated collection of 5-minute bedtime stories about the wildlife that comes out at night.

Every night reveals a thousand secrets… In this charming anthology of children’s stories by Alicia Klepeis readers will be guided under the light of the moon to meet the amazing animals that come out when we’re all asleep. In one story a lost wolf pup has to find its way back to its pack, while another looks at a flying fox as it goes for a midnight swim. Kids will be thrilled by the pineapplefish who has a flashlight built into its mouth, and marvel at a dung beetle that navigates by looking at the stars!

Other stories feature American alligators, Fennec foxes, wombats, snowy owls, bushbabies, flying frogs, luna moths and even a rat making its way across a sleeping city. All of these nighttime animals and their habitats are brought to life with impressive skill by illustrator Jennifer Falkner.

Each story in Secrets of the Stars is based on the real biology and behavior of these amazing wild animals, and at the end of each tale readers will find out more about the science that inspired the story. So as they drift off to sleep, they will know a little bit more about the animals that are waking up and beginning their day.

160 pages, Hardcover

Published October 7, 2025

About the author

From color-changing creatures to extreme environments to far-out foods, Alicia Klepeis loves to research fun and out-of-the-ordinary topics that bring the world to young readers. Alicia began her career at the National Geographic Society. She is the author of more than 200 kids’ books. Her nonfiction titles include Go Wild! Frogs; Gutsy Girls Go For Science: Astronauts; Jane Goodall; Living In The Rain Forest; The Philadelphia Eagles; Polar Bears & Penguins: A Pretty Cool Introduction to the Arctic and Antarctic; The Science And Technology Of Ben Franklin; Superfast Cars; and The World’s Strangest Foods.

Alicia's fictional titles include the anthology Secrets of the Forest: 15 Bedtime Stories Inspired By Nature, named Children's Book of the Week by The Independent. Her picture book Francisco’s Kites was named to the Tejas Star Reading List. She is also the author of several World Adventure chapter books including Mountains, Monsoons, and Mules. She has written over 100 articles in magazines such as National Geographic Kids, Kiki, and FACES. Alicia is currently working on several projects involving amazing animals, American history, and world cultures. She lives with her family in upstate New York.

Reviews

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Secrets of the Stars: 15 Bedtime Stories Inspired by Nature" by Alicia Klepeis and Neon Squid is an anthology of 5 minute children's stories about animals, each followed by "The Science Behind the Story" which tells more facts about the main character animal of the story.

I listened to the audiobook version of this book, expertly narrated by Zach Barela. His voice is calm and clear and easy to listen to.

Each story begins with a musical piece that clues you in as to the location, which may be anywhere on the planet. Additionally, we hear noises of other animals in the setting and sometimes the weather like the rain or wind.

I found most of the stories. fascinating. I learned something from each one. I did not know that the eyes of an alligator glowed red. I didn't know that their teeth regrow. I was surprised to hear that Luna moths have no mouth. I didn't know anything about Honey Badgers, Pineapple Fish, Bush Babies, nor a few others prior to this book.

It was really interesting, and I highly recommend it for kids with an interest in nature. Parents are likely to enjoy this one, too!

Thank you to Netgalley, Alicia Klepeis and Neon Squid, and MacMillan Audio/MacMillan Young Listeners for providing me with this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have kids, grandkids, or are still a kid at heart. . . .order this book!!! Thanks to NetGalley, I got to listen to the audiobook version narrated by Zach Barela, and he does an amazing job!!!! This book is a combination of fiction and nonfiction. There are 15 short stories about animals and each starts with a fiction story and is then followed up with interesting true facts about that animal. It was all very interesting! I will definitely listen again and now I need to order a physical copy! This would also make a great gift!

[Vicki Haid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cool kid’s book! Cant wait to see the print version and hope the illustrations match the magic of the audio.