Every Night at Midnight

by Peter Cheong

A little lone werewolf prowls the nights on his own until he finds friendship in the most unexpected of places in this whimsical and tender picture book in the spirit of Julie Fogliano’s My Best Friend.

Every night at midnight, Felix turns into a wolf. His hands and feet turn into velvety paws, his senses grow sharper, and he grows a long, furry tail. Felix loves exploring on four legs, and he has the nighttime world to himself. There’s no one else like him.

During the day, Felix is human, but it still feels like there’s no one like him. The other kids used to invite him to play, but now they keep their distance. That’s fine, though. Felix doesn’t need anyone else. But after a chance encounter, Felix the little lone wolf starts to wonder whether he might find his pack after all.

Genres: Picture Books, Fantasy, Friendship, Childrens, Halloween, Animals, Fiction

40 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 8, 2023

About the author

Peter Cheong lives in Perth, Western Australia, with his very understanding wife and less understanding cat. He is the illustrator of I’m a Hero Too and the Pow Pow Pig series. Every Night at Midnight is his first book as both author and illustrator. Peter unfortunately cannot turn into a wolf himself but is still trying. You can see more of his work at petercheong.com.

Reviews

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just ordered pizza! How many pictures books can my wife and I read before it arrives? Here's #4:

An interesting allegory about alienation and making friends that uses a little werewolf who thinks he's the only one who has the problems and feels the way he does.

[Jayne at the Library In my re reading my childhood books Era · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book I read with my sons today

[Milton Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every night Felix transforms into a wolf. He loves his time alone every night. During the day he struggles making friends because he thinks he is too different. All of that changes when he meets someone just like himself and realized we are all more similar than different. This soft and tender book a fun read with wonderful illustrations. The lesson is powerful and one that most kids can never hear enough of.

Find it in our SHARE Catalog today!

Ashley C. / Milton Public Library #CheckOutMPL

[Rachael Hodson (still skiing) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looking for a new, perfect Halloween time picture book. This one isn’t it. A little boy turns into a werewolf each night but I am not in love with the illustrations. Nice hardcover.

[Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

“💯 I love animals. My favorite animal is bubba who is my dog. I like wolves because they’re actually dogs. I liked that he found a friend.” - Lucas

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding friends takes a furry twist in a heart-warming and surprising way.

Felix turns into a wolf every night at midnight. He loves being a wolf and enjoys the night world outside. While his double-sided life is awesome, he knows that he's alone. He did have friends at school before his wolf appeared, but now, he finds himself keeping a distance from everyone. Until something happens, and he discovers he might not be as alone as he thought he was.

This tale takes the problem of drifting friendships and flips it on its head in an unique way. The idea of Felix turning into a wolf will perk the interest of monster and fantasy fans and delight readers as he plays in the city streets under the moon. Some will wish they could run with him. It's inspiring to see Felix embracing himself for who he is, despite the problems it causes. Felix enjoys his uniqueness no matter what, but still wishes he could have friends. It's pretty clear that this distancing to his earlier friends isn't their fault alone, but also has to do with his own attitude and insecurities. There isn't any meanness in this, either, keeping the theme of bullying away (which is also refreshing).

The illustrations bring the fantasy side across wonderfully and add the right atmosphere at the right time. When the new girl appears, the contrast in colors, when compared to Felix, offer a visual support to enhance the theme. All of this slides right along with the story as the text stays concise but flows very well to keep the action going and the situations clear. It creates a great read-aloud not only for group settings, but will delight especially fans of werewolves and fantasy while offering an important message about friendship along the way. I received a complimentary copy and am especially looking forward to sharing this one with young readers around me this Fall.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every night at midnight, Felix turns into a wolf and likes to go on runs. Since he's the only werewolf he knows, he usually spends his time alone. Changing into a wolf at night makes it hard to join others for sleepovers, so they no longer invite him. But he's okay with it. That is, until he meets another wolf. He quickly learns how much more fun things are with a friend.

EVERY NIGHT AT MIDNIGHT is a paranormal children's picture book that shows the wonders of friendship and how life is more fun with others in it. The illustrations are darker themed with a black and white scheme and sharp line work. Werewolves are the perfect topic for the spooky season and while this one wasn't scary, it's still a good Halloween read. Wolves are pack animals so I love how they're the main characters because wolves need friends. Felix may take a bit to realize it, but he's no different.


Final Verdict: I would recommend this to children aged four and up who enjoy stories about friendship and paranormal creatures like werewolves.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every night Felix turns into a wolf. He loves the freedom and adventure of being a lone wolf. But, because of his secret, he can’t go to sleepovers and the other kids stop inviting him. He thinks he has to be alone. Then a new girl arrives at school. She’s friendly, but his difference keeps him from letting her in. A kid-relatable, sweet story about finding your place. You can feel the motion in the delightful illustrations, especially the night adventures as the wolf leaps over angled buildings and down empty streets.
Felix is NOT a werewolf (as the blurb here says) because he turns every night regardless of a full moon and the actual book blurb says “lone wolf”. I kind of wished he was a werewolf, since I love spoopy stories and wanted to see how that could be reconciled in a children’s book!

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every night at midnight, Felix turns into a wolf. It is a lonely life, he can't let his friends know, but Felix is keen to let us know that he doesn't need anyone else. Felix's independence is challenged by the arrival of a new girl at school, who immediately fits within their friendship group and leaves him feeling even more on the outer.

What happens from here is a delight for the reader to discover. The younger readers love picking up on the clues included in the beautiful artwork, and the overall message of not being afraid to be yourself and accepting difference is a good one.

I shared each of the CBCA 2024 Picture Book shortlist with my library classes this year, and this was their firm favourite. A trend borne out by it receiving the CBCA Shadow Judging Award.

[Nicole Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher for my honest opinion.

The main child in this book turns into a wolf every night, making him feel like he cannot be friends with anyone because they are so different. But when a new kid comes to town, there is hope that perhaps he is not so alone. I really loved this book. The illustrations are sharp and beautiful, the blue, black, red, and white tones perfectly pulling your eyes into the action. I loved the designs to the children and the lyrical, repeating lines that whisked me away, right to the wonderful surprise at the end. A wonderful book for anyone feeling like they are too different to make friends.

[Laura Farrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic!
Story is strong, a child who turns into a wolf at night and runs through town! What's not to love about this story. Except he feels that because he is the only wolf it is better for everyone else that he stays alone. Until a new student comes to school, is super popular AND a wolf like him! And when he realises he can be friends with them, and goes to their house he finds all the other kids at school also turn into different animals. Maybe he doesn't have to be alone after all.
Illustrations are beautiful, and match the story, as though a child imagined them, and will make great pictures to encourage kids to do with tie-in activities.

CBCA 2024 Short List - Picture Book of the Year

[Caroline Stills · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me at the front cover. A little boy - but his shadow is a wolf. I had to open it to find out more.

This book is for children who love imaginative stories. I love that it's different and you don't quite know where it's going to go. Despite it looking quite dark and potentially scary, visually, it's a sweet story that shows it's okay to be our unique selves and that we can all have friends if we allow them into our lives.

The illustrations perfectly compliment the whimsical story - and if you look hard, there are little clues in the illustrations for where the story is heading.

A book to be enjoyed by both children and the adults who read it to them.

[Dimity Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A telling tale with a sweet twist that is reassuring for youngsters feeling on the outer of social circles for whatever reason - and there's always one: ethnicity, ability, physicality, value sets ... or maybe it's because you're actually a wolf. Whatever the reason for social isolation, it's comforting knowing that you are not out there alone and meeting a like-minded friend is a reality all of us should learn to expect and value. Comic-esque illustrations portray Felix's predisposition to transfiguration throughout the night skylines with inviting humour and adventurous atmosphere.

[Sylvia Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Created with charismatic characters and stunning scenic details, day-and-night, EVERY NIGHT AT MIDNIGHT shines for its sparse text paired with expressive visuals, matter-of-fact storytelling, and action-packed spreads with mesmerizing movement. With so many strong points of interest: werewolf whimsy, finding friendship, trusting your true nature, discovering delightful differences and similarities with others, and opening your heart to new adventures... EVERY NIGHT AT MIDNIGHT has so much to offer to readers of all ages.

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felix tells his story putting a brave front on self-imposed isolation at school because at night... he turnis into a wolf and runs across the town and the rooftops. and has a wolf, he can't do sleepovers. then a new girl comes to school and he discovers that his is not the fastest runner and she too has a secret. And maybe others children have secrets too. The illustrations add enormously to this story about learning to fit in. A creative and imaginative tale for young readers.

Shortlisted for the 2024 CBCA Picture Book of the Year.

[Lisa Yee Swope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets, always secrets. Every night, secrets. And with the nighttime aesthetic, beautiful white on black line work to contrast with the daytime bright whites and classmates from whom he hides his truths. But with trust, surprises come out from unexpected places. A great story for talking about identity, secrets, sharing, trust, and friendships. Could be used for Halloween but certainly should not be limited to that!

[Aolund · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this mysterious book about nighttime, transformation, and unlikely friendship! A child changes into a wolf every night at midnight, and is somewhere between reconciled to and dissatisfied with their fate until... a friend who also transforms into a wolf at midnight comes into their life! Nice repetition in the story, too.

Themes: Transformation, Nighttime, Friendship, Wolf
Age range: Toddler-Kindergarten

[Greg S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book!

We were lucky that my son had a cast on when we read this and one of the main characters has a cast on too.

Simple book, lyrical but not too much.

It has some emotional depth and great illustrations!

I can’t believe the author was able to do so much in only 42 pages!

I won’t spoil the ending but we really liked it.

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every night at midnight Felix turns into a wolf. He loses his friends until one day another wolf shows up and Felix realizes he doesn’t actually like being alone. Beautifully illustrated and cleverly written, young children will love this spooky season book!

Thank you Simon Kids for gifting me a copy to review.

[Elena L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

During the day, Felix is human. But every midnight, he turns into a wolf.
This book covers loneliness, friendship and belonging. With lovely illustrations, this picture book is easy to read and I love the message delivered. Such a heartwarming book that I recommend.

[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - Simon kids . All opinions are my own ]

[Susan Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

For every kid who feels separate and different. Felix is a very self sufficient werewolf who gradually pines for a friend. The final page of this sweet glorious picture book is the best portrait of community that any young reader is likely to see and appreciate on a visceral and very satisfying level. <3

[The Book Squirrel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantasy story about a boy who turns into a wolf at midnight (a real wolf, not a werewolf) and thinks he's all alone. Then he discovers another wolf in the night. He learns that he's not alone in his affliction.

An allegory of sorts about how we are not alone in our troubles and things are always easier and more fun with friends.

[Emily Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every night at midnight, Felix turns into a wolf. He is fine with this except it makes him feel left out. Until one night, his howls are echoed by another wolf and the two become friends. This is about werewolves, so it could be Halloween-themed, but the wolves in the illustrations seem more realistic than the typical werewolf depiction.

[Rachael]

Cute friendship story with a fantastical twist, I like that it shows kids that they're not the only "weird" or different one, and that if they reach out to peers they might find lovely relationships. The art was adorable too.

[Adele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and amusing, but also very effective. Not many words and some of the few are repeated phrases, but the story, told with words and pictures working well together, is rich, sometimes sad, sometimes exciting, and always satisfying. The ending managed to surprise me as well as make me smile.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every night I turn into a wolf. I love being a wolf, but my friends don't like me anymore. Then a new girl came to town and she turns into a white wolf. Read this cute story about finding out you are not so different than anyone else.

[Simon Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a fan of everything lycanthropic and having it been recommended by a friend, I picked this book up and thoroughly enjoyed it.

It is sweet, wholesome and probably would have been one of my favourite books if it came out when I was young.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The boy turns into a wolf at midnight every night. He can't go to sleepovers because the other kids would find out... So they stop inviting him. A new girl comes to school and fits right in. But she has a secret, too. Fantastic ending! amazing illustrations.

[Jordan Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely adorable and the B&N edition I got came with an adorable wolf decal I am absolutely going to put on my car. :)

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young lone werewolf finds friendship.