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Nocturnals Early Reader
The Slithery Shakedown: The Nocturnals
“The Nocturnals does not disappoint.” —Booklist
“A quirky, humorous book great for beginner readers.” —Story Monsters
In this Nocturnals Level 2 Early Reader, The Slithery Shakedown, the Nocturnal Brigade comes across a big bully snake who wants to eat Bismark for breakfast! Bismark is scared, but he, Tobin, and Dawn stand up to the snake using their words. In the process they learn about bravery and find some spec-tac-u-lar snakeskin capes for themselves!
FUN-FILLED BEGINNING READERS FOR DISTANCE LEARNING!
Download the series's complimentary printable activities at NocturnalsWorld.com: Sight Word Games, Makerspace Crafts, Bingo, Common Core Language Arts Educator Guide, Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Activities, and More!
Includes Bonus Nocturnals Fun Facts and Animal Glossary (Ages 5-7)
Life Skill Themes include Bravery, Bullying Prevention, and Teamwork.
Read All Eight of the Nocturnals Grow & Read Adventures, like The Peculiar Possum, which introduces Beginning Readers to Life Skill Themes such as Accepting Differences, Empathy, and Kindness.
They all feature Dawn, a serious fox, Tobin, a sweet pangolin, and Bismark, a pint-sized sugar glider.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published April 3, 2018
About the author
Tracey Hecht
26 books173 followersTracey Hecht is a writer and entrepreneur who created The Nocturnals, the critically acclaimed middle grade and early reader series. The American Booksellers Association chose her first book, The Nocturnals: The Mysterious Abductions, as a Kids’ Indie Next List pick. In addition, her Grow & Read early reader book, The Chestnut Challenge, was given a Mom’s Choice Gold Award. With the New York Public Library, she has also created a Read Aloud Writing Program that has since been conducted in over 150 schools, libraries, and bookstores. Tracey currently splits her time between New York City and Oquossoc, Maine, with her husband and four children.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 15, 2018
ARC received courtesy of Goodreads.com First Reads Giveaway
I LOVED this Developing Reader book! Bismark, a sugar glider, meets his other nocturnal friends for an adventure. Kids will be introduced to the sugar glider, the red fox, the pangolin and the blue-bellied snake. They will learn about animals they are unfamiliar with while being familiar with the term "nocturnal". The facts at the back of the book are interesting and written at an appropriate level. The illustrations are both cute and accurate!
I'm sending this book to a 2nd grade teacher friend to see what her kids think!
I LOVED this Developing Reader book! Bismark, a sugar glider, meets his other nocturnal friends for an adventure. Kids will be introduced to the sugar glider, the red fox, the pangolin and the blue-bellied snake. They will learn about animals they are unfamiliar with while being familiar with the term "nocturnal". The facts at the back of the book are interesting and written at an appropriate level. The illustrations are both cute and accurate!
I'm sending this book to a 2nd grade teacher friend to see what her kids think!
June 1, 2018
I don't tend to gravitate to early readers because they can be awfully boring. This book breaks the mold. It's fun and engaging, and my son loves reading it. I frequently catch him looking through the pages and staring at the pictures. He didn't know what nocturnal animals were before he read this book, and now, any time we see an animal, he asks if it is nocturnal. The conflict in this book is wonderfully portrayed, and it teaches about the power of friendship and bravery. I recommend this book for folks seeking engaging early readers that will capture children's attention. It's wonderfully done.
May 29, 2018
The Nocturnals: The Slithery Shakedown by Tracey Hecht, Illustrated by Josie Yee is cute and adorable. The cover features Bismark, a sugar glider, waiting for his friends to arrive at night in a glade. He, along with his buddies, as we find out, are nocturnal creatures (a good vocabulary word for first and second grades). We're introduced to Bismark's friends, a fox and a pangolin (an endangered, exotic mammal). Together they face their fears, learn what it means to be brave in the face of danger, and teach a few cool lessons about loyalty, bravery, and friendship.
May 24, 2018
I received this book as an advanced reader copy and since then have ordered the book for our library regular collection. The Nocturnals early reader series is great on many levels. It has fun characters and illustrations that attract a young reader. It also introduces new vocabulary in a way that is approachable for those that are learning to read. The inclusion of facts at the end of the book is also great.
May 26, 2018
I love the Nocturnals. On the bigger kid side there are some multimedia interaction that can be done with the books put out for them, you can see some of those books reviewed here with at least one more to come. But today I have one for the younger children, The Slithery Shakedown, where our trio of friends, Bismark the sugar glider, Dawn the red fox, and Tobin the pangolin are meeting up for a evening adventure when the blue bellied snake bully shows up to make trouble.
I love these book because no matter what happens they all work together to come up with a viable solution, one that children will understand, and in these younger children books it also explains feelings that might have been experienced during these times and how it is really ok to experience these feelings, for instance you can be brave and scared at the same time. Author Tracey Hecht really is in tune with her audience whether it be middle graders, or the younger children just learning to read, and her illustrators are just as awesome at knowing the audience.
I love these book because no matter what happens they all work together to come up with a viable solution, one that children will understand, and in these younger children books it also explains feelings that might have been experienced during these times and how it is really ok to experience these feelings, for instance you can be brave and scared at the same time. Author Tracey Hecht really is in tune with her audience whether it be middle graders, or the younger children just learning to read, and her illustrators are just as awesome at knowing the audience.
May 21, 2018
I won a copy of this book.
This book was super cute! Perfect for your beginner readers (4-6 years old) with fun pictures sure to delight! The back of the book also offers bonus content so the reader can learn more about nocturnal animals. Good fun all around!
This book was super cute! Perfect for your beginner readers (4-6 years old) with fun pictures sure to delight! The back of the book also offers bonus content so the reader can learn more about nocturnal animals. Good fun all around!
May 14, 2018
I received my copy via Goodreads giveaway.
This book exceeded my expectations- it features attractive characters, and a fun story.
the combo of the strengths of the 3 friends, all very different, is a key theme.
This book exceeded my expectations- it features attractive characters, and a fun story.
the combo of the strengths of the 3 friends, all very different, is a key theme.
May 21, 2018
Another winner from Tracey Hecht! I love this series for young readers. The vocabulary words aren't to challenging for the age (4-6), they are easily understood by context, the illustrations are bold and colorful with lots of detail, but not so much as to overwhelm. I like that in addition to the story, there is an additional section at the end of the book to further encourage reading about nocturnal animals. I also like that the books feature animals unique to Australia. Great story kids will enjoy!
I received an advance copy from the author and publisher in exchange for a fair review.
I received an advance copy from the author and publisher in exchange for a fair review.
April 18, 2018
The characters from The Nocturnals continue to migrate into readers for younger children. Dawn, Tobin, and the vastly amusing Bismark first appeared in The Moonlight Meeting and now their adventures continue in The Slithery Shakedown. Bismark impatiently waits for his friends to join him, but when they do - an unwanted creature also appears. A shimmery blue snake decides that a silly sugar glider would make a lovely breakfast. Luckily for Bismark, his friends stand up to the hungry reptile.
The illustrations make the characters come to life. Some show Bismark tapping his foot or with steam coming out of his ears in impatience. Tobin and Dawn look at his antics with knowing smiles. And when the snake appears, Tobin hides behind Dawn with his arms wrapped around her leg and his body shivering in fear.
Back matter includes a picture and short description of the nocturnal animal species from the story. There are also some facts about pomelos and nocturnal animals in general. A very good book for young students just starting on independent reading, especially those who are interested in animals.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher for review purposes.
The illustrations make the characters come to life. Some show Bismark tapping his foot or with steam coming out of his ears in impatience. Tobin and Dawn look at his antics with knowing smiles. And when the snake appears, Tobin hides behind Dawn with his arms wrapped around her leg and his body shivering in fear.
Back matter includes a picture and short description of the nocturnal animal species from the story. There are also some facts about pomelos and nocturnal animals in general. A very good book for young students just starting on independent reading, especially those who are interested in animals.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher for review purposes.
April 11, 2018
The Nocturnal Brigade is back in an all new adventure! In the second installment of the Nocturnals Easy Reader Series, The Slithery Shakedown, Bismark has a problem. His friends are late for their nightly rendezvous.
When Dawn and Tobin finally arrive, they see that they are not alone. A blue bellied snake has slithered his way into the group. He is not interested in making friends. Instead, he wants to have Bismark as a snack!
Will Tobin and Dawn be able to save Bismark? Has the spunky sugar glider finally met his match?
I absolutely love The Nocturnals series! Whether early reader or chapter book, the stories are always original and the characters are unforgettable. Bismark's attitude makes me laugh every time. His facial expressions are simply hilarious.
I also love that in addition to teaching a moral lesson, the stories are also packed with educational facts. I find myself learning something new with each book that I read.
This is a wonderful story for children ages 5-7.
When Dawn and Tobin finally arrive, they see that they are not alone. A blue bellied snake has slithered his way into the group. He is not interested in making friends. Instead, he wants to have Bismark as a snack!
Will Tobin and Dawn be able to save Bismark? Has the spunky sugar glider finally met his match?
I absolutely love The Nocturnals series! Whether early reader or chapter book, the stories are always original and the characters are unforgettable. Bismark's attitude makes me laugh every time. His facial expressions are simply hilarious.
I also love that in addition to teaching a moral lesson, the stories are also packed with educational facts. I find myself learning something new with each book that I read.
This is a wonderful story for children ages 5-7.
August 26, 2018
My daughter loved this book and the characters. The three friends Bismark the sugar glider ,Tobin the pangolin , and Dawn the fox show that friends stick by you even when they are scared and it’s ok to be scared. That even when your scared you can still be brave too. There is also facts about the animals in the back of the book so it’s a fun read and they learn something about the animals they are reading about too. Thanks to goodreads , author, and publisher for the chance to read this book.
May 18, 2018
A beautifully illustrated children's book. Bright colors and adorable characters. Well written for young readers. I know my grandson will love it. Thanks
I received this lovely children's book free for a review from the author and Goodreads.
I received this lovely children's book free for a review from the author and Goodreads.
May 17, 2018
i read this to my son he loved it so cute. He loved all the characters. I love the larger writing it was easy for him to read with me.
May 13, 2018
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
This book was a simple, cute story about friends learning how to be brave even when they're scared.
I've gotta say, the snakeskin capes at the end were...pretty morbid and uncomfortable. But I was a weird kid, so who am I to judge?
This book was a simple, cute story about friends learning how to be brave even when they're scared.
I've gotta say, the snakeskin capes at the end were...pretty morbid and uncomfortable. But I was a weird kid, so who am I to judge?
May 25, 2018
The Nocturnals: The Slithery Shakedown is a fun easy reader book. My son and I liked the unique animals. I also thought the message of the book -- being brave even when you are scared-- was a good one. I did think the font was a little difficult to read for children with reading challenges/dyslexia.
April 25, 2018
These are the younger-level books based on the Nocturals series. It's really cute, and young readers will enjoy the story. The book is also a good introduction to some animals that may be unfamiliar to American kids. I received this book as an ARC, but I look forward to reading more in the series.
June 21, 2018
The concept of this book is great- introduce readers in grades 1-2 to nocturnal animals (sugar glider, red fox, pangolin and blue bellied snake). However, the snake is a bully in the story so when I read the descriptions of the animals at the end of the book, which I loved, I was surprised to learn the blue bellied snake is actually shy.
I also thought it odd that once the snake was introduced and spoke with exaggerated “sssss” sounds, the main character, Bismark began to speak with a stutter which I think would be a confusing concept to kids just learning to read, especially because it is different from the multiple consonant sounds introduced by the snake.
It is a cute story and concept but was not executed as well as it could have been.
I also thought it odd that once the snake was introduced and spoke with exaggerated “sssss” sounds, the main character, Bismark began to speak with a stutter which I think would be a confusing concept to kids just learning to read, especially because it is different from the multiple consonant sounds introduced by the snake.
It is a cute story and concept but was not executed as well as it could have been.
August 12, 2018
“You can be scared and brave, too.”
Bismark is a bit of a nervous sugar glider, easily startled, though he would never admit it. His two friends, Dawn (a red fox) and Tobin (a pangolin) are used to his bravado and patiently accompany him on his adventures. Luckily, they are willing to stand by him when he encounters something blue, shimmery and makes a noise like “sssssssss.”
“The Nocturnal Brigade! Bold in adventure. And best of all, brave.” Especially when they have each other to lean on.
Cute.
Bismark is a bit of a nervous sugar glider, easily startled, though he would never admit it. His two friends, Dawn (a red fox) and Tobin (a pangolin) are used to his bravado and patiently accompany him on his adventures. Luckily, they are willing to stand by him when he encounters something blue, shimmery and makes a noise like “sssssssss.”
“The Nocturnal Brigade! Bold in adventure. And best of all, brave.” Especially when they have each other to lean on.
Cute.
July 10, 2018
I have fallen in love with The Nocturnals series. These easy chapter books are fun, appealing and educational. In this series entry, the three friends (a pangolin, a red fox and a sugar glider) stick together to stand up to a bullying snake. It's quite a feat to anthropomorphize characters and stay true to their animal natures. This series succeeds. Recommended for readers just moving into chapter books.
December 16, 2019
I love that the Nocturnals MG series spun off an easy reader series. I believe this is book two. While it is an easy or beginning reader ir could also be considered a beginning chapter book as it is set up like one. The story follows 3 night friends who are brave in the face of danger.
+16 #TBRread
#BBRC #ERpublishedinthelast5years
#MountTBR
+16 #TBRread
#BBRC #ERpublishedinthelast5years
#MountTBR
June 8, 2018
Love love love this series, and this book in particular had such great messaging surrounding bravery in the face of bullying. Was able to read with my 4-year-old and 7-year-old together, and both enjoyed the really silly, fun illustrations. Great bedtime read.
July 9, 2018
It was an enjoyable early reads book with beautiful pictures. The characters are all unique and likeable. I believe it will create fans at a young age that will be interested in reading the chapter books when they are older.
June 20, 2018
Cute side story to the middle grade series. A snake threatens the Nocturnals, but they stand their ground.
March 20, 2020
My review for this cute, adorable kids story is here, https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re....
June 20, 2018
What a fun book to read! It not only will be great for Trent when he is a beginning reader to practice his reading, it is overall a fun story that is a fantastic read aloud. It looks at the idea of bravery and fear as well as friendship while also introducing scientific ideas like nocturnal animals and carnivore animals.
Full review with dual review and teaching tools: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=1...
Full review with dual review and teaching tools: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=1...
July 2, 2018
I bought this book for my nephew, who loves unusual animals. We had a great time reading it together. Though he’s on the young side of the recommended age range, the quick moving plot and (spoiler alert) encounter with the snake kept him engaged. After we finished reading the book, we read the Nocturnals Fun Facts section at the back and spent the next hour talking and researching sugar gliders, blue-bellied snakes, and pangolins.
June 8, 2018
GIVEAWAY ON THE BLOG OF THE COMPLETE NOCTURNALS BOOKS
WHAT I LIKED
Full-Color Illustrations
The full-color illustrations bring the characters to life. I enjoyed seeing the characters' expressions and body language paired with their dialogue. They are adorable. (Especially those of Bismark. He's such a character.)
Lively Dialogue
Partly because this book targets a younger audience and partly because this book narrows down its focus to Tobin, Bismark, and Dawn's first meeting, more expression is put into the dialogue and character expressions. The pacing was rhythmic and made for an enjoyable read. I can easily imagine this book being reader aloud to entertain a younger reader (and having the younger reader read it back or join in on certain words/phrases).
A Book on Friendship
From the beginning, it's clear that this book is about making friends. I like how each of the protagonists has his or her unique personality. It shows how friends do not necessarily need to be alike in order to be friends but that friendship is about mutually intending to and taking action to be friends.
Fun Facts
At the end of the book, there is a section explaining what type of animals are Tobin, Bismark, and Dawn as well as what is a pomelo. I appreciate having this information to give me a better understanding of the protagonists. (And it's the type of information I would have geeked over as a kid, being the animal lover that I was.)
WHAT I DISLIKED
Where's Book Two?
To be honest, there wasn't anything that I disliked about this book. While I did have some issues with the original book form which this story was taken, the problems have been smoothed over for this one. The characters didn't feel superficial, and Bismark's over-the-top personality works for this shorter story.
If anything, I loved this book and want to read the next one right now!
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Moonlight Meeting is a highly enjoyable read featuring endearing characters and lively dialogue that are brought to life through rhythmic pacing and animated, full-color illustrations. Those who enjoy books with animal protagonists will especially enjoy this book for beginning readers. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading the next Nocturnals release!
For more information and resources, such as educator and book club kits, check out the Grow and Read website here. For more about the Nocturnals, check out the Nocturnals website here.
Additional note: I was sent some swag along with this book. The swag included a bookmark, paper art to recreate the protagonists, and a fox stuffed animal wearing a snake-skin printed handkerchief with the Nocturnals logo on it. It is adorable and would make a lovely addition alongside of the book for a present. I haven't heard anything about this fox plushie/handkerchief combination being on sale, but maybe it'll happen in the future :)
WHAT I LIKED
Full-Color Illustrations
The full-color illustrations bring the characters to life. I enjoyed seeing the characters' expressions and body language paired with their dialogue. They are adorable. (Especially those of Bismark. He's such a character.)
Lively Dialogue
Partly because this book targets a younger audience and partly because this book narrows down its focus to Tobin, Bismark, and Dawn's first meeting, more expression is put into the dialogue and character expressions. The pacing was rhythmic and made for an enjoyable read. I can easily imagine this book being reader aloud to entertain a younger reader (and having the younger reader read it back or join in on certain words/phrases).
A Book on Friendship
From the beginning, it's clear that this book is about making friends. I like how each of the protagonists has his or her unique personality. It shows how friends do not necessarily need to be alike in order to be friends but that friendship is about mutually intending to and taking action to be friends.
Fun Facts
At the end of the book, there is a section explaining what type of animals are Tobin, Bismark, and Dawn as well as what is a pomelo. I appreciate having this information to give me a better understanding of the protagonists. (And it's the type of information I would have geeked over as a kid, being the animal lover that I was.)
WHAT I DISLIKED
Where's Book Two?
To be honest, there wasn't anything that I disliked about this book. While I did have some issues with the original book form which this story was taken, the problems have been smoothed over for this one. The characters didn't feel superficial, and Bismark's over-the-top personality works for this shorter story.
If anything, I loved this book and want to read the next one right now!
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Moonlight Meeting is a highly enjoyable read featuring endearing characters and lively dialogue that are brought to life through rhythmic pacing and animated, full-color illustrations. Those who enjoy books with animal protagonists will especially enjoy this book for beginning readers. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading the next Nocturnals release!
For more information and resources, such as educator and book club kits, check out the Grow and Read website here. For more about the Nocturnals, check out the Nocturnals website here.
Additional note: I was sent some swag along with this book. The swag included a bookmark, paper art to recreate the protagonists, and a fox stuffed animal wearing a snake-skin printed handkerchief with the Nocturnals logo on it. It is adorable and would make a lovely addition alongside of the book for a present. I haven't heard anything about this fox plushie/handkerchief combination being on sale, but maybe it'll happen in the future :)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews