By Eric Fan Illustrated By Dena Seiferling
2022 New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Winner
Teach values of generosity, understanding and community with this calm and scrumptious story about a lunch cart that feeds the wildlife creatures in the local area.
Furry noses sniff the air as mouthwatering smells waft down city streets, luring growling bellies to the Night Owl. Inside this elegant, horse-drawn establishment, a feathery cook works the grill, serving up tasty dishes for shift workers and operagoers alike: a mince pie for Fox, a ham sandwich for Badger and puddings for little Possums.
Mouse, a poor street sweeper, watches as the line of customers swells, ever hopeful that someone will drop a morsel of food – but Owl’s cooking is far too delicious for more than a crumb to be found. As the evening’s service winds down, weary Owl spots trembling Mouse. Has he found his own night lunch, or will he invite this small sweeper inside for a midnight feast for two?
From the imagination of two acclaimed picture book creators, together for the first time, this dreamlike picture book is a magical ode to Victorian lunch wagons. With stark, feathery illustrations and minimal, poetic wording, the visuals are simple yet sweet. Evoking the sounds, sights, smells and tastes of the city at night, Night Lunch reveals how empathy and kindness as well as dignity and gratitude can be found – and savoured – in the most unexpected places.
By owlfan
"This book is perfect for owl loving adults as well as for children. The artwork is amazing and the story is quite lovely. I keep it out on a table and enjoy reading it regularly. I purchased the book for myself and as gifts for two friends."
By AetherSails
"This was a lovely story about kindness, gratitude, and empathy. Owl saw that Little Mouse was in need, and did not wait for him to ask for help, but took it upon himself to help him. Owl did not give Little Mouse the crumbs off his table, instead he invited him to have a seat at his table with a night lunch feast for two! And when the feast was done, he shared even more with Little Mouse. The dreamlike illustrations were beautiful and told the story perfectly with the words.
Well done, Eric Fan and Dena Seiferling!"
