Twilight Chant: A Lyrical Bedtime Picture Book About Fireflies and Nature for Kids

by Holly Thompson, Jen Betton (Illustrator)

A lyrical exploration of the transition between day and night and of the animals who thrive during this special time.

Genres: Picture Books, Poetry, Animals, Nature, Childrens, Science

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Holly Thompson (www.hatbooks.com) is a longtime resident of Japan originally from Massachusetts. A graduate of the NYU Creative Writing Program, she writes poetry, fiction and nonfiction for children through adults. She is author of the verse novels Falling into the Dragon's Mouth, The Language Inside, and Orchards; the picture books Listening to Trees: George Nakashima, Woodworker; One Wave at a Time; Twilight Chant and The Wakame Gatherers, and the novel Ash. She compiled and edited Tomo: Friendship Through Fiction—An Anthology of Japan Teen Stories, a collection of 36 Japan-related short stories, including ten in translation. Holly teaches writing in Japan and the U.S. and visits schools worldwide.

Reviews

[Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pictures in this book are sublime and the poem running throughout has a dreamy feel perfect for bedtime. Through the poem, Holly Thompson introduces children to twilight/crepuscular animals and the concept of twilight. While this is a quiet book, there is engaging movement from scene to scene--each scene beginning with the interesting actions of diverse animals--as Jen Betton gradually darkens each scene visually moving the narrative towards night. This is simply a beautiful book.

[Melki · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wonderful combination of text and sumptuous illustrations in this book perfectly captures the magic that occurs at the close of day as dusk falls over the land. From birds finding a tree for roosting, to fireflies emerging from the grass this one hit all the right chords with me. Stunning!

[Melissa Stoller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lyrical picture book will speak to children who love nature. The poem engages from the beginning and lures the reader in the world of twilight. The beautiful illustrations set the mood and capture the imagination. Children will enjoy the animals throughout the book and the author's note about twilight provides further enrichment.

[Dylan Teut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning and enchanting.

[Kate Narita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Holly Thompson's ode to twilight and the crepuscular animals that fill its pages. Jen Betton's illustrations are as magical as dawn and dusk. This is the perfect book to read to your child as the day winds down, and the perfect book to read to your child as you ease into the day.

[Sarah Reul · Rating 5 out of 5]

TWILIGHT CHANT (published by Clarion Books) is a gorgeous, poetic book written by Holly Thompson, with stunning watercolor illustrations by debut illustrator Jen Betton.

Although I love how the spreads of sunset skies, purples and oranges blend together into shades of “twilight, the low light”, my favorite pages held the glow of fireflies and the warm welcoming light of a house with an open door. And how could you resist the beautifully rendered, adorably realistic animals that populate the pages?

The calming rhythms of the text and the jewel-like tones of the illustrations will lull little ones into a dreamy sleep. This one is simply a stunner, perfect for a bedtime read or a summertime porch swing.

[Shanda McCloskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twilight Chant is a poem celebrating the mysterious and lovely time of dusk. The eloquent verse and dreamy animal images make this a calming read and great for bedtime. It enlightened me on some of the animals that come out at dusk as well!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is twilight not everyone's favorite time of day? This just made me want to be outside after sunset, and my kid liked all the creatures featured.

[Tara Luebbe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and soothing bedtime read with beautiful illustrations!

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has wonderful watercolor illustrations by Jen Betton and lovely lyrical text by Holly Thompson.

It includes animals that are active at twilight in North America so it can be used to discuss animals / science in preschool and elementary school.

It also makes a great bedtime story since the lyrical language is soothing and calm, and the illustrations, which show night time approaching, help give it a bedtime feel.

Kids enjoyed this book.

[Patricia Valdez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twilight Chant is a gorgeous lyrical picture book that captures the activities of people, animals, and insects as the day turns to night. The purple hues, the glow of the fireflies, and the inviting light of the house make this a cozy read at bedtime or anytime.

I reviewed an advanced copy.

[Samantha Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calming and soothing with beautiful illustrations. Perfect for bedtime and has been particularly comforting when our toddler son is sick.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gorgeous book is a meditation on twilight. The beautiful, poetic text ("twilight/the low light/the fireflies turn bright light") explores that magical time of day when the light begins to fade and the nocturnal creatures move in. The words are enhanced and complemented by breathtaking water colors bringing the seashore scenes to life. Jen Betton's art is simply spectacular. (I reviewed an advance copy.)

[Andi Diehn · Rating 4 out of 5]

TWILIGHT CHANT by Holly Thompson is a sweet, lyrical exploration of the end of day, a time for noticing, reflecting, and finding your way home. Younger children will appreciate the coziness inspired by Jen Betton's gorgeous illustrations while learning something about the creatures that come out during this liminal time of day.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thompson, Holly Twilight Chant, illustrated by Jen Betton. PICTURE BOOK. Clarion (Houghton), 2018. 18. 9780544586482.

What happens when twilight arrives? People head for home, animals start to ready for bed, or head to graze and wander before heading home. Thompson explores all kinds of happenings during the short time between day and night.

With a slight editing change I would have loved this much more. The chant part of the chant doesn’t quite fit, because the rhythm doesn’t match from page to page. I do love the beautiful purple illustrations. Maybe go for The Blue Hour by IsabelleSimler. I was hoping they could be companions.

EL (K-3) – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...

[Dorothia Rohner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twilight Chant celebrates the most enchanting time of day.
The lyrical text pairs beautifully with the light-filled soft illustrations. With each page turn, the chant of the poem and the illustrations reveal animals and a family out on a walk as the evening turns to night. This book captures the essence of twilight in nature through the illustrations and lyrical language. It transported me into the pages! This book will delight any nature-lover, young or old.

[Michelle Cusolito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful lyrical language with lovely illustrations to match.

My favorite stanza: "twilight
the low light
the June bugs start to buzz light"

My favorite illustration features swallows swooping and diving after insects against a gorgeous sunset sky.

Note: I read this as and ARC/F & G.

[Jeanette Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lyrical ode to twilight, beautifully illustrated in sunset colors. This is a perfect read-aloud at bedtime book, with a soothing rhythm and repeating phrases like a lullaby. Debut illustrator Betton depicts a soft and furry natural world bathed in the beautiful light of a long summer evening.

[Hannah Holt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reads like a gently lullaby and a love song to the end of day. The text rocks back and forth around the refrain:

"In the twilight
the low light..."

Gorgeous phrasing is paired with lush watercolor illustrations in this picture book about the animals that are active at this time. The end matter of the book introduced the term "crepuscular" and highlights interesting science facts about twilight as well as more about some of the animals.

My kids and I enjoy reading it right before bed, although it would also make a good addition to a poetry or science unit for elementary aged children.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and rhythmic text take readers through the behavior of various animals that are active at twilight. The soothing lyrics make this a perfect choice for one-on-one sharing at bedtime, although I do have to admit, the repetition of "twilight / the low light" started to grate on me after a while. The watercolor/colored pencil/pastel illustrations are breathtaking, showing the full range of sky colors as the day comes to an end. A particularly thoughtful touch is how the front and end pages pair with the color transitions in the paintings, starting with pale lilac and ending with blue-violet.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very beautiful book illustrating what animals in the country do when twilight approaches. The rhyming and rhythm of the book flows well and the illustrations are so pretty! Each page tells what animal will show up on the next page, making for a great prediction book. I can see how teachers can use this book to calm down a classroom of rowdy children because of how it is so calming it is! With repeating phrases, this book is also good for a read along or shared reading.

Another possibility is to use this book to do a writing activity. Using the repeated phrase, students can write their own poems!

[Jessie Oliveros · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful bedtime book. The lyrical text is lovely and really does have a chant-like quality. The illustrations are ethereal. The purple and orange colors of sunset and twilight fill the pages. While the animals of twilight play a prominent role in the picture book, the family making its way home can be seen throughout. It's their story, too, which I loved. They gather their things at the beginning and walk through the twilight as it darkens to night, ending up at their home with windows all lit up. The paintings that show the progression of twilight to nighttime really are amazing.

[Beth Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful approach to a slice of science! The lyrical text introduces animal activity at this special transition from day to night. It brought back childhood memories of playing outside during the summer as fireflies and the lights from the house appear.....waiting, knowing, that time is short before parents call you in. Interesting back matter, too, will have kids poking about and listening for sounds at twilight.

[Cindy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lyrical ode to the end of day is the perfect summer bedtime read. Its gently swaying refrain and progressive text tell about animals that might be out and about at twilight, while the soft watercolor illustrations show us a family packing up and heading home from the beach. An author's note at the end of the book, telling about twilight and animals active at that time, make the book suitable for classroom use as well!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jen Betton’s beautiful, soft illustrations are the perfect complement to Holly Thompson’s lyrical text. The book follows a family’s walk home at twilight as they take in their natural surroundings and the animals that stir at dusk. An author’s note provides additional information about twilight and crepuscular animals.

[Jannie Ho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations of twilight accompany a soothing chant, which makes for a lovely bedtime book. There are many interesting animals mentioned, which would make a great book for the classroom too and animal lovers alike.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lyrical book is an ode to twilight. It follows a family as they take a walk in the twilight and observe crepuscular animal activity. It is gorgeously illustrated with rich, calming colors perfect for bedtime.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twilight is a magical time when daytime turns to night and all sorts of creatures spring into action. Jen Betton’s gorgeous watercolors match the gentle rhythm of Holly Thompson’s story perfectly. A wonderful book for those who appreciate the natural world.

[Maria Hatzialexiou · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book! This book has stunning illustrations. This is a book about what happens after the sun goes down and what animals come out during that time. This is such a nice and calming read. I know I love animals and so do all the young readers!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhythmic and lyrical text that leads into the next page of animal dusk/twilight activities. A very calming bedtime story, with beautiful watercolor illustrations. Also, you know I love a good back matter, and this one describes crepuscular creatures, which is now my new favorite phrase.