The Nocturnals - by Tracey Hecht

About the Book

The Nocturnals chapter book series features three unlikely animal friends--Dawn, a serious fox, Tobin, a sweet pangolin and Bismark, a pint-sized sugar glider. The stories all play out in their nighttime world with teamwork, friendship and humor in every adventure. The Mysterious Abductions is the first book in this fun middle grade series perfect for children ages 9-12.

Book Synopsis

"Delightful adventure" - Kirkus

Perfect for fans of InvestiGators and The Wild Robot, The Nocturnals is a fun-filled chapter book series following three unusual animals who solve eco-mysteries with friendship, teamwork, and humor. Features short, approachable chapters with illustrations and endangered animals!

Animals are disappearing without a trace--and it's up to Dawn, a serious fox, Tobin, a sweet pangolin, and Bismark, a pint-sized sugar glider, to find out why. With the help of a gentle wombat, a jittery jerboa, a band of coyotes, and some silly bats, the Nocturnals journey to the depths of the earth and play a wacky, high-stakes game that will determine their survival.

GREAT GIFT FOR KIDS AGES 8-11

• Kids' Indie Next Winner
• Blends unusual animals and science for STEAM readers!
• Now an AR Quiz
• Full-color illustrations at the start of each chapter
• Short approachable chapters and wide margins
• Bonus Book Content: Nonfiction Animal Glossary, Author Q&A, and Book Club Questions.

Turnkey Activities for Librarians & Teachers
We Are Teachers Book Report Template
Animal Mask Crafts, Bingo & Word Game Activities
Common Core Language Arts and Next Generation Science educator guides
Printables available on the book's website!

READ ALL FOUR ADVENTURES WITH THE NOCTURNALS
In the second chapter book, The Ominous Eye, Dawn a serious fox, Tobin a sweet pangolin, and Bismark a pint-sized sugar glider investigate a sudden jolt that cracks the earth! They meet a mysterious reptile, a tuatara, who claims the beast who caused the crack may strike again. But can this tuatara be trusted? The Nocturnals team up with a fun array of forest animals to uncover the truth!

Review Quotes

"The Nocturnals is an enchanting story about a group of animals who band together to protect their friends and find adventure. The characters are delightful and the nighttime landscape is captivating. It was just as I expected--because the best stories always take place in the dark!"
--R.L. Stine, Author of Goosebumps

"A delightful adventure about the power of uncommon traits and the joys of newfound friendship."-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"Featuring spirited animal characters who deal with real-life scenarios in a relatable way...the books celebrate the very meaningful idea of friendship and what it means to forge positive relationships." -- "Amy Poehler's Smart Girls"

"It's the perfect reminder that some outside-of-the-curriculum learning can be some of the best ways to expand your imagination - and your world."--Nate Berkus, Author of The Things That Matter

"The characters are humorous and well developed, and the fast-moving plot features intrigue, unexpected twists, and the innovative hybrid hockey game. Accessible to upper elementary while sufficiently sophisticated for middle school, this new animal fantasy series should prove popular."-- "Booklist"

"The series addresses bullying and empathy in an easy, accessible way, and the books are meant to be read aloud."-- "New York Post"

"This is an adventure worth reading, filled with excitement, danger, suspense and surprise. Each chapter begins with a small illustration and the language is clear and easy to understand."-- "School Library Connection"

"Tracey Hecht's first novel is an appealing page-turner for middle-school readers, combining a likable cadre of unusual animal characters with fast-paced, clever dialogue and, of course, plenty of suspense."-- "BookPage"

"With numerous sequels already in the pipeline, Tracey Hecht's whimsical animal adventure is poised to deliver a raft of silliness, sweetness, and positive messages for years to come."-- "Common Sense Media"

About the Author

Tracey Hecht is a writer and the creative director of Fabled Films Press. She created The Nocturnals, the critically acclaimed middle-grade and early reader series. The American Booksellers Association chose her first book, The Mysterious Abductions, as a Kids' Indie Next List pick, and her nonfiction book Nighttime Animals: Awesome Features & Surprising Adaptations received the Children's Book Council Teacher Favorites Award in 2023. In partnership with the New York Public Library, she created a Read Aloud Writing Program that has since been conducted in hundreds of schools, libraries, and bookstores. She attends Bank Street College, where she is studying to receive a dual master's degree in childhood general education and special education. Tracey splits her time between New York City and Oquossoc, Maine.

Kate Liebman is an artist who lives and works in New York City. She graduated from Yale University and has an MFA from Columbia University. Kate contributes to the Brooklyn Rail, and has shown her work at multiple galleries. She grew up in Santa Monica, California.