Secrets of the Stars
15 Bedtime Stories Inspired by Nature
Published on 16. October 2025
Book
Hardback
160 pages
978-1-916745-05-6 (ISBN)
Description
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.
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.
Reviews / Votes
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. * Kirkus * 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. * School Library Journal * 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. * JUNO Magazine *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
Children/juvenile
Interest Age: From 5 to 8 years
Dimensions
Height: 262 mm
Width: 224 mm
Thickness: 23 mm
Weight
880 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-916745-05-6 (9781916745056)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Alicia Klepeis loves to research fun and out-of-the-ordinary topics that bring the world to young readers - from amazing animals to extreme environments. Alicia began her career at the National Geographic Society. She is the author of more than 200 children's books, including Go Wild! Frogs; Gutsy Girls Go For Science: Astronauts; Polar Bears & Penguins: A Pretty Cool Introduction to the Arctic and Antarctic; and Secrets of the Forest: 15 Bedtime Stories Inspired By Nature. A former middle school teacher, Alicia loves doing school visits. She lives with her family in upstate New York.
Jennifer Falkner is an illustrator based in Perth, Western Australia. Jennifer's work is inspired by a passion for Australian flora and fauna, and a childhood playing and exploring the beach and the bush in Western Australia. In more recent years Jennifer has juggled motherhood and a growing body of work in illustration for children.
Jennifer Falkner is an illustrator based in Perth, Western Australia. Jennifer's work is inspired by a passion for Australian flora and fauna, and a childhood playing and exploring the beach and the bush in Western Australia. In more recent years Jennifer has juggled motherhood and a growing body of work in illustration for children.