Secrets of the Stars
Alicia Klepeis, Neon Squid
Illustrated by Jennifer Falkner
16 October 2025Synopsis
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 torch 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 behaviour 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.
The cover features a timeless design with silver foil and a cloth texture, making this book the perfect gift.
Details
16 October 2025
9781916745056Reviews
Falkner’s realistic illustrations, in vignettes and full-page scenes, supply plenty of detail on the wildlife and their environments... The writing is informative but conversational, perfect for reading aloud... Small scientists will revel in these wild nocturnal adventures.
Young naturalists will be engrossed in these fact-filled stories and the realistic digital illustrations that accompany them. A few of the featured species, such as the grey wolf and snowy owl, are staples of children’s nonfiction. Others, like the indigo bunting and the pineapplefish, can finally enjoy a long-overdue moment in the spotlight.
In this beautiful collection, we travel around the world to discover some of the wonderful animals who come out at night. The five-minute stories reveal facts about the animals’ habitats and behaviours, wrapped up in cosy ‘a night in the life of’ tales.
