One Dark Night

by Hazel Hutchins, Susan Kathleen Hartung (Illustrator)

As a strong summer storm approaches, Jonathan watches a stray cat looking for something in the bushes, but as the clouds darken, Jonathan wonders if the animal will be okay all by itself when the rain starts pouring from the sky.

Genres: Picture Books, Realistic Fiction, Childrens, Animals

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 21, 2001

About the author

Born and raised in southern Alberta, Hazel is the author of over forty books for children. Her work covers a wide age range – from picture books for the youngest set to novels for older grades – and delights in enterprising characters, interesting facts, gentle humour and the natural warmth of friendship and family. A popular presenter at schools and libraries across Canada, Hazel's books are also found in translation in many corners of the world.

Reviews

[Relyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our local branch of the library has installed huge bins for the story books and they create face out shelving. Honestly, that's the only way to go if you want to pull in readers and get them browsing. That's really why I've been reading so many storybooks this summer. Too many to miss and so easy to spot in the huge child's eye level bins.

One Dark Night is a little young for my child or my students, but it was wonderful. I think it would be a nice read aloud if your child is afraid of storms. Or, if they like storms. Or, if they love animals. OK, OK, it's just a great read aloud.

[Ashley Lester]

Text to Lesson

One Dark Night by Hazel Hutchins is a great picture book that can be used to teach across the curriculum. In this case, this story would be a great introduction to a science activity that focuses on weather. During the story, there is a vivid picture and description of a thunderstorm that is presented to its' audience. Therefore, students are allowed to gain several ideas about weather. A great response activity that can be done after this book is read is to allow students to draw or write what the characteristics of a thunderstorm are. (this varies by grade level) It can be done on a KWL chart for older students. Also, don't forget to invite students to speak on their personal experiences during thunderstorms.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a simple, cute story about a boy who helps a stray mama cat get her kittens in out of the storm. I liked how the author interjected the way you tell how far a storm is away by counting the seconds between the lightning flash and the boom of thunder. This is a gentle story perfect for bedtime.

[Lbrown107 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A stray cat is welcomed into the home a family, but she doesn't stay long. She makes three trips into the storm to bring in her three small kittens. I really enjoyed how the author used the concept of counting seconds between lightening and thunder to determine how far away the storm is. This concept could lead to a discussion on the speed in which light and sound travel.

[Torrie Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy thrilling and action movies and this book reminds me of a movie like that. It is really awesome to watch children as they try to guess what is going to happen next when the cat does into the thunderstorm. I think this is a great book to read when talking about weather in the classroom.

[Bridgette Elston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty simple story about a boy who helps a cat bring her kittens in out of a storm. From this book my 4 year old learned that cats carry kittens by their neck (pics) and that you can tell how far away a Storm is from how long after the lightening you hear thunder.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the clever story of a cat who, when invited into the house before a storm, brings along a collection of kittens one at a time before the storm strikes. This was a nice book.

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story about a mother's love and compassion to animals. I loved the illustrations and the lessons it taught to children about the care of animals and putting "emotions" onto animals.

[Crystal Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Children can learn some new things about cats in this book. This book also has some great vocabulary words that have to do with a store such as lightning, thunder, etc.

[Lisa Andres · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clara loved the illustrations on this one.

[Aspasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mama cat with three kittens adopts a family on a stormy night.

[Amanda Griggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO CUTE.