The Moonlight Meeting: The Nocturnals Grow & Read Early Reader, Level 2 - Softcover

Tracey Hecht has written, directed, and produced for film. The American Booksellers Association chose the first book in her critically acclaimed middle grade series, The Nocturnals: The Mysterious Abductions, as a Kids’ Indie Next List pick. This year, her Grow & Read early reader book, The Chestnut Challenge, was given a Mom’s Choice Gold Award.  In partnership with the New York Public Library, Tracey created a Read Aloud Writing Program that she has since conducted—both in person and virtually—in over 100 schools, libraries, and bookstores across the country. Tracey currently splits her time between New York City and Oquossoc, Maine, with her husband, four children, and dog, Penny.

“This banter-filled early reader describes the initial meeting between shy Tobin the pangolin, brash Bismark the sugar glider, and kindhearted Dawn the fox...the pared-down narration and dialogue quickly establish their personalities...Hecht and Dowling successfully set the stage for more adventurous outings down the road.” —Publishers Weekly

“Physical characteristics, personality quirks, and the beginnings of their mutual trust and friendship are aptly portrayed through both words and pictures. A few ‘Nocturnals Fun Facts’ at the end should help with any factual queries. Whether listening, reading along, or launching individual attempts, satisfied readers will be ready and waiting for the next installment.” —Booklist

“An entertaining story of friendship and sharing, and educates us about those who are different from us.” —Story Monsters Inc.

“The Moonlight Meeting is cute and the whimsical illustrations by Waymond Singleton should help budding readers follow along and be encouraged to learn new words as they turn pages. Fun facts at the end should satisfy the interest of kids who are drawn to nonfiction. I highly recommend The Moonlight Meeting for readers aged 6 to 8 and their parents.” —Mother Daughter Book Club.

“It's whimsical and funny, and kids will laugh at the animals' bickering — while also learning important lessons about friendship, teamwork and problem-solving” —SheKnows.com

“They are very well written leaving the reader so curious and really wanting to know the end result. To have book 2 and 3 waiting will encourage this excitement and keep them reading” —Parenting Healthy

“I like this series because it doesn’t have the usual dogs or cats in it. There’s a pangolin, a sugar glider, and a fox. Singleton’s illustrations are great and give you a good idea of what the real animal looks like. This was a delightful read with great illustrations. The story will make your young ones smile and they’ll learn more about the animals with the bonus facts at the end.” —The Book Faerie

“I thought this was a really cute book. My kids all read it right after we got it in the mail. It was easy enough for my 6-year-olds to read, but still entertaining for my 9-year-old (who loves all things Nocturnal.) This is definitely a book that will be read over and over again.” —Literary Time Out

“The characters of the Nocturnal Brigade are charming and entertaining, and this book about their first meeting is simple but enchanting. Besides meeting these unique figures, readers will also learn about each animal, what it means to be nocturnal, and more. But the education isn’t heavy-handed, and is woven seamlessly into the context of the story (though a ‘Fun Facts’ section at the back of the book offers some good information for readers wanting to learn more).” —Novel Novice

“The theme of friendship was recurring in this story, so [my son and I] talked a lot about friends at school, what it means to have a close group of friends, and to always be willing to lend a helping hand. We also discussed the differences between being a leader and being bossy- there's a fine line that can be hard for kids this age to understand. We also broached the subjects of fairness, social justice, kindness, and bullying. Amazing what kids pick up on at this age, just by reading a story” —Mommy's Block Party