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The Night Is Yours
From the New York Times bestselling illustrator of I Am Enough , this glowing, empowering picture book about a nighttime hide-and-seek game celebrates blackness and self-confidence.
Little one, so calm and so happy, the darkness of the night is yours like the darkness of your skin.
This lyrical text, narrated to a young girl named Amani by her father, follows her as she plays an evening game of hide-and-seek with friends at her apartment complex. The moon's glow helps Amani find the last hidden child, and seems almost like a partner to her in her game, as well as a spotlight pointing out her beauty and strength.
This is a gorgeous bedtime read-aloud about joy and family love and community, and most of all about feeling great in your own skin.
Little one, so calm and so happy, the darkness of the night is yours like the darkness of your skin.
This lyrical text, narrated to a young girl named Amani by her father, follows her as she plays an evening game of hide-and-seek with friends at her apartment complex. The moon's glow helps Amani find the last hidden child, and seems almost like a partner to her in her game, as well as a spotlight pointing out her beauty and strength.
This is a gorgeous bedtime read-aloud about joy and family love and community, and most of all about feeling great in your own skin.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2019
1 person is currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Abdul-Razak Zachariah
1 book3 followersAbdul-Razak Zachariah grew up in West Haven, Connecticut, and based his picture book, The Night is Yours, on the apartment complex and community where he was raised. A graduate of Yale College, he was deeply involved in diversity and inclusion advocacy while there, and he received the Mellon Mays Research Fellowship and the Nakanishi Prize. Abdul is the son of Ghanaian immigrants, a child of divorce, an avid reader of comic books and essays on cities, and a lover of apple cider.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 75 reviews
July 19, 2019
The night is an extension of your skin,
all of you children,
blending in when you want it to
and popping out when you want it to,
because the darkness of the night is yours
like the darkness of your skin.
As you might be able to tell from those lines, this is actually a picture book better suited to adults. I just can't see that children are going to enjoy this or even relate much to it. The text is too poetic (and not in a good way), and the whole thing reads like an adult's romanticized version of childhood. What little kid, when all of her friends have gone inside for the evening, wants to sit out all by herself and dreamily contemplate the night's silence? The child comes across as idealized and not very realistic.
The illustrations are a mixed bag for me. Some of them are quite cute, but others are plagued by perspective issues. I'm also not sure if the combination of attempted realism for the human figures and buildings versus the extreme abstraction for the plants really works; it almost looks like two illustrators are working with different styles at the same time.
I understand what the author was trying to do here, but it doesn't work for a children's book. Picture books are usually for children... but this book seems like it was written entirely for their parents.
all of you children,
blending in when you want it to
and popping out when you want it to,
because the darkness of the night is yours
like the darkness of your skin.
As you might be able to tell from those lines, this is actually a picture book better suited to adults. I just can't see that children are going to enjoy this or even relate much to it. The text is too poetic (and not in a good way), and the whole thing reads like an adult's romanticized version of childhood. What little kid, when all of her friends have gone inside for the evening, wants to sit out all by herself and dreamily contemplate the night's silence? The child comes across as idealized and not very realistic.
The illustrations are a mixed bag for me. Some of them are quite cute, but others are plagued by perspective issues. I'm also not sure if the combination of attempted realism for the human figures and buildings versus the extreme abstraction for the plants really works; it almost looks like two illustrators are working with different styles at the same time.
I understand what the author was trying to do here, but it doesn't work for a children's book. Picture books are usually for children... but this book seems like it was written entirely for their parents.
August 20, 2019
What can I say about this?
It was written with love. There. That is positive. What else? *sigh and face palm* I cannot hold back ... This is NOT really a children's book. This is a book written by an adult for children, sure, but it isn't a real children's book. It is an idea of a child's book, and an idea of what children do, and an idealized version of how children play (the author says that he based the story on his community and the apartment building where he grew up). This would be all well and good if it actually read like how children really talk and act, but no, this is flowery nonsense tied together with some lovely pictures (and some pictures that have really odd angles).
This is a book for adults who want to think that children are this way. You go adults, you do YOU, but in reality? Nope. Children are not these little floating, cloying, tedious dolls. Please come down and visit reality a SMIDGE more often. You might be surprised if you interacted with REAL children! They are awesome!
You know what a real child told me this morning as she walked into the library, "I had a waffle before I came here." (Just out of the blue. Fact. It was important to her so she shared.) Another real child told me, "I need more Minecraft in my life. I am good." (Just out of the blue. Fact. It was important so he shared.) One more here, "You know what, Miss Amanda, when the cheerladies danced around their belly buttons showed, and my daddy doesn't let me do THAT!" (All facts from real little kids ages 3-5, not this sentimental tripe that you read here.)
It was written with love. There. That is positive. What else? *sigh and face palm* I cannot hold back ... This is NOT really a children's book. This is a book written by an adult for children, sure, but it isn't a real children's book. It is an idea of a child's book, and an idea of what children do, and an idealized version of how children play (the author says that he based the story on his community and the apartment building where he grew up). This would be all well and good if it actually read like how children really talk and act, but no, this is flowery nonsense tied together with some lovely pictures (and some pictures that have really odd angles).
This is a book for adults who want to think that children are this way. You go adults, you do YOU, but in reality? Nope. Children are not these little floating, cloying, tedious dolls. Please come down and visit reality a SMIDGE more often. You might be surprised if you interacted with REAL children! They are awesome!
You know what a real child told me this morning as she walked into the library, "I had a waffle before I came here." (Just out of the blue. Fact. It was important to her so she shared.) Another real child told me, "I need more Minecraft in my life. I am good." (Just out of the blue. Fact. It was important so he shared.) One more here, "You know what, Miss Amanda, when the cheerladies danced around their belly buttons showed, and my daddy doesn't let me do THAT!" (All facts from real little kids ages 3-5, not this sentimental tripe that you read here.)
August 27, 2019
This is a book for written for children by an adult but it is not a children book really. It’s like a letter to the kid that have kid friendly pictures. Don’t think that children would like this book.
July 28, 2019
Really love Keturah A. Bobo's illustrative style. I AM ENOUGH - illustrator as well. Had no idea she is a Columbus College of Art and Design grad!
March 11, 2020
The Night Is Yours by Abdul-Razak Zachariah, illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo. PICTURE BOOK. Penguin Young Readers Group, 2019. $18. 9780525552710
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K. EL (K-3)- ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
As a father watches his daughter playing with friends in the courtyard of their apartment complex, he reflects on not only his love for her, but the many life lessons that can be learned in simple acts of daily living. The Night Is Yours follows a young girl named Amani as she learns about life, friends, beauty and strength. In a simple game of hide and seek she laughs, she realizes differences and likenesses in her friends, she gets frustrated and a little upset, but finds the determination to continue on her quest even though some things aren’t easy. She learns patience and eventual success and celebration. She is thoughtful and peaceful. All the while her father is watching, waiting and also learning from the example of his sweet daughter.
The Night Is Yours will be a great springboard for many discussions about life and happiness. We enjoyed the illustrations, especially the facial expressions. The story is sweet and tender. The Night Is Yours can be used in a unit on family, on differences, or on feelings.
Reviewer: SL
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K. EL (K-3)- ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
As a father watches his daughter playing with friends in the courtyard of their apartment complex, he reflects on not only his love for her, but the many life lessons that can be learned in simple acts of daily living. The Night Is Yours follows a young girl named Amani as she learns about life, friends, beauty and strength. In a simple game of hide and seek she laughs, she realizes differences and likenesses in her friends, she gets frustrated and a little upset, but finds the determination to continue on her quest even though some things aren’t easy. She learns patience and eventual success and celebration. She is thoughtful and peaceful. All the while her father is watching, waiting and also learning from the example of his sweet daughter.
The Night Is Yours will be a great springboard for many discussions about life and happiness. We enjoyed the illustrations, especially the facial expressions. The story is sweet and tender. The Night Is Yours can be used in a unit on family, on differences, or on feelings.
Reviewer: SL
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
May 28, 2020
a cute story
February 9, 2020
In this idealization of childhood, a father romanticizes his daughter’s night-time play with neighborhood chums while the moonlight illuminates themes of racial harmony, friendship, and self-esteem. Bobo’s illustrations seem glossed with nostalgia, as if composed from too great a distance or conjured from a dimming dream. The story earns an extra star for its multicultural theme and protagonists.
January 20, 2022
The story of Amani is a beautiful representation of community and self, told from the perspective of her parents. As she plays with her friends in the courtyard of their apartment, her parents watch over, narrating the beauty and strength she shows. #Ownvoices is a movement to increase the number of diverse literature in classrooms, The Night is Yours is a great example. Incorporating stories that are under-represented in children's literature into a classroom is crucial for all students. Amani's story may be one some students relate to, providing them with important lessons and role models. I found this book to be a wonderful story with incredible writing and artistry. I am thankful I read this book and intend to incorporate it into my future classroom.
June 4, 2021
We really liked it. My daughter is 3 and she personally related to the illustrations although she didn't quite understand the message about the moon and intentions of the father (yet). We will have to revisit this!
October 19, 2025
Very cute book about watching a child experiencing childhood. I enjoyed it, but I feel like it was more of a book for the parent, not the child.
April 11, 2020
My 4 year old was upset that the kids were playing outside without adults present (the adults were watching the courtyard from windows). He did, however, love the game of hide and seek and that the moon was playing hide and seek, too.
I thought it was too racial. The moon “points out the different browns and tans of your friends who blend into the night when the light disappears.” Seriously? Let me guess, a white kid would glow? But the worst comes with “The night is an extension of your skin, all of you children, blending in when you want it to and popping out when you want it to, because the darkness of the night is yours like the darkness of your skin.”
This line led to quite a bit of genuine confusion on my son’s part, who earnestly said, “But the little girl looks brown. She doesn’t look like night.” Yeah, my thoughts exactly.
I thought it was too racial. The moon “points out the different browns and tans of your friends who blend into the night when the light disappears.” Seriously? Let me guess, a white kid would glow? But the worst comes with “The night is an extension of your skin, all of you children, blending in when you want it to and popping out when you want it to, because the darkness of the night is yours like the darkness of your skin.”
This line led to quite a bit of genuine confusion on my son’s part, who earnestly said, “But the little girl looks brown. She doesn’t look like night.” Yeah, my thoughts exactly.
November 10, 2019
I didn't mind this one, and my son asked for it quite a few times at bedtime, mostly because I think he enjoyed the illustration style. I agree with many of the other reviews that this is not really a book for kids, but for adults. There's a beautiful message here but I'm not sure how child-friendly it is.
September 23, 2019
I love this book, but it was written for adults and not children.
August 7, 2019
It's summertime and Amani and her friends are having fun playing under the light of the full moon that shines down so bright on the courtyard that is nestled in the center of their building. They play games like double Dutch and hide-and-seek with breaks in between to gaze at the splendor of the constellations as they call them out by name, while music floats on the cool breeze at the end of a hot, hot day. The moon is happy, the children are bursting with giggles, and the night belongs to them. It's a perfect summer evening; one that is nostalgic of my own childhood.
Abdul-Razak Zachariah's debut, The Night is Yours, is a treat because there are so few picture books that feature characters who live in an apartment building and I think it is important because every child's experience matters. The dwellings we call home and the communities we grow up in shape us, nurture us and propel us towards our aspirations. I am glad that Abdul-Razak Zachariah chose to center their adventure in this space. This is a debut picture book that is worth adding to your collection as I will mine.
Keturah A. Bobo (who also illustrated I am Enough - by Grace Byers) brought each character to life with such beautiful brilliance, both in color and texture. I adored the representation of all manner of shades of mocha and tan. And I appreciated the hair. Its coil, its style, and its accuracy. It makes me excited for the children who will read this book and see themselves. I am certain that Keturah A. Bobo will have a long career as an artist and I can't wait to see what picture book she illustrates next.
The Night is Yours. A good read for a cool summer night for readers and families of children in preschool through 2nd grade.
Abdul-Razak Zachariah's debut, The Night is Yours, is a treat because there are so few picture books that feature characters who live in an apartment building and I think it is important because every child's experience matters. The dwellings we call home and the communities we grow up in shape us, nurture us and propel us towards our aspirations. I am glad that Abdul-Razak Zachariah chose to center their adventure in this space. This is a debut picture book that is worth adding to your collection as I will mine.
Keturah A. Bobo (who also illustrated I am Enough - by Grace Byers) brought each character to life with such beautiful brilliance, both in color and texture. I adored the representation of all manner of shades of mocha and tan. And I appreciated the hair. Its coil, its style, and its accuracy. It makes me excited for the children who will read this book and see themselves. I am certain that Keturah A. Bobo will have a long career as an artist and I can't wait to see what picture book she illustrates next.
The Night is Yours. A good read for a cool summer night for readers and families of children in preschool through 2nd grade.
April 5, 2021
Title: The Night is Yours
Author: Abdul Razak-Zachariah
Illustrator: Keturah A. Bobo
Genre: Fiction
Theme(s): Family, Self-Confidence
Opening line/sentence: “Little one, so calm and so happy, this is your night.”
Brief Book Summary: This book is narrated by Amani’s father, who is telling her a story of her playing a nighttime game of hide-and-seek with her friends. He tells her of the beauty of her skin tone, how she works together with the moon. She doubts herself briefly, and then finds self-confidence when the moon helps her find the last hiding child.
Response to Two Professional Reviews: School Library Journal wrote that this book “aches to be read aloud,” which I was thinking when I was reading this book to myself. Kirkus Reviews states that this book contains important self-love messages for children with darker skin, with which I agree and think that this story does an amazing job of amplifying.
Tell Me Framework:
Like(s): I like that this book shows clear examples of a young girl having self-confidence.
Dislike(s): There is nothing that I dislike about this book.
Patterns(s): The moon plays a large part throughout the book, consistently appearing as a “sidekick” for Amani.
Puzzle(s): I don’t have any puzzles about this book.
Consideration of Instructional Application (3-4 sentences in your own words): This is a book that I would read at the beginning of the day, to set the tone. Although this book emphasizes self-love for children with darker skin, I think that Amani believing in herself is an important message for any child. After reading this, I will have the students recall a time where they doubted themselves but overcame it.
Author: Abdul Razak-Zachariah
Illustrator: Keturah A. Bobo
Genre: Fiction
Theme(s): Family, Self-Confidence
Opening line/sentence: “Little one, so calm and so happy, this is your night.”
Brief Book Summary: This book is narrated by Amani’s father, who is telling her a story of her playing a nighttime game of hide-and-seek with her friends. He tells her of the beauty of her skin tone, how she works together with the moon. She doubts herself briefly, and then finds self-confidence when the moon helps her find the last hiding child.
Response to Two Professional Reviews: School Library Journal wrote that this book “aches to be read aloud,” which I was thinking when I was reading this book to myself. Kirkus Reviews states that this book contains important self-love messages for children with darker skin, with which I agree and think that this story does an amazing job of amplifying.
Tell Me Framework:
Like(s): I like that this book shows clear examples of a young girl having self-confidence.
Dislike(s): There is nothing that I dislike about this book.
Patterns(s): The moon plays a large part throughout the book, consistently appearing as a “sidekick” for Amani.
Puzzle(s): I don’t have any puzzles about this book.
Consideration of Instructional Application (3-4 sentences in your own words): This is a book that I would read at the beginning of the day, to set the tone. Although this book emphasizes self-love for children with darker skin, I think that Amani believing in herself is an important message for any child. After reading this, I will have the students recall a time where they doubted themselves but overcame it.
October 21, 2020
This book was really beautiful. Abdul-Razak Zachariah wrote this book in a very lyrical way that is very poetic and lovely to read. It is written in the voice of a father speaking to his daughter. Throughout the novel, a young girl Amani is playing hide and seek under the light of the moon in her apartment complex. Throughout the game they stop to speak about the moon and stars. The innocence of the game and conversations left me feeling extremely nostalgic. This book is filled with a diverse population of children who come together and play as one group. Amani's father observes his daughter and the other children as they play, and speaks words of encouragement to his daughter, motivating her to see her full potential, and giving her words of positivity. This book is great for teaching about bi-racial harmony, friendship, and having high self-esteem. The illustrator Keturah A. Bobo did an excellent job with this book as well. She uses a lot of color to highlight the light of the moon on the children's tan and brown skin. She also used color to add texture to the character's hair and skin which was really nice to see as a visual while reading. Overall this book would be great to read to children ages 6-10.
May 27, 2021
Strange book. It takes a very romanticized nostalgic view of childhood that little kids aren't going to understand. There's a few passages about skin color that are overly poetic and out of place. One bit is, when read literally, about how having dark skin lets you blend in to the night better. Metaphorically it could carry a larger message about using your ethnicity to both blend into society and to stand out when you want to, but it's not age appropriate for preschoolers and would be over their heads anyway.
I looked up the author to see what else he has written, and there are no other books. But, there are news articles about him creating a stir at Yale for some social justice stuff.
It's too bad the book didn't just stick to the premise of kids playing in an urban apartment building environment. The added race bits and daddy-daughter poetic waxing really take away from it.
This is the only book from the Dolly Parton program that's been a real dud. Not a fun read, and a questionable motivation from the author.
I looked up the author to see what else he has written, and there are no other books. But, there are news articles about him creating a stir at Yale for some social justice stuff.
It's too bad the book didn't just stick to the premise of kids playing in an urban apartment building environment. The added race bits and daddy-daughter poetic waxing really take away from it.
This is the only book from the Dolly Parton program that's been a real dud. Not a fun read, and a questionable motivation from the author.
June 19, 2020
For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-CycleA sweet story with lessons about confidence and perseverance. The illustrations are absolutely phenomenal, especially the colors and textures of the night sky and moon. Absolutely beautiful.This is a cute story, however I do feel that because it was written from the parent's perspective, children may not be as interested in it. It definitely felt like it was written for adults more than children. Still, the message of perseverance was well-done and those illustrations are phenomenal. It is a bit wordy at times so better for older children.Overall, a good read.
February 20, 2025
It's Black History Month and I borrowed 5 children's books from my library. This is one of them.
I really, really wanted to like this book, but I feel the story failed. I thought it was all over the place and too advanced in some parts, like the moon page, for a younger child to understand. It was too much going on with too many words. The story should had been simpler.
The story is based on the author's childhood growing up in an apartment complex. The story written is about a little girl and her group of friends who come out to play in their apartment courtyard to escape the heat of the night while the father watches from their second floor home.
I really, really wanted to like this book, but I feel the story failed. I thought it was all over the place and too advanced in some parts, like the moon page, for a younger child to understand. It was too much going on with too many words. The story should had been simpler.
The story is based on the author's childhood growing up in an apartment complex. The story written is about a little girl and her group of friends who come out to play in their apartment courtyard to escape the heat of the night while the father watches from their second floor home.
October 24, 2018
***I requested a review copy from Edelweiss***
The Night Is Yours is a gorgeous, loving ode to the magic of childhood and the beauty of children at play in the night, playing hide and seek with the moon under their families watchful gaze. I loved the apartment setting, with the courtyard full of kids playing under the light of the stars and the moon, and the father watching his daughter problem solve and gain independence, allowing her to grow and in turn becoming inspired by her. The illustrations shine, but the words sing!
The Night Is Yours is a gorgeous, loving ode to the magic of childhood and the beauty of children at play in the night, playing hide and seek with the moon under their families watchful gaze. I loved the apartment setting, with the courtyard full of kids playing under the light of the stars and the moon, and the father watching his daughter problem solve and gain independence, allowing her to grow and in turn becoming inspired by her. The illustrations shine, but the words sing!
Read
May 18, 2021In this picture book, loving parents who have named their daughter Amani watch her playing outside with her friends at night and describe what they see and what they imagine their daughter (and her friends) are saying and thinking.
It feels kind of like an « I love you » book, since it is parents describing their child, and what they love about their child.
It is not really a story. But if you are looking for an « I love you book » with a diverse cast of characters, this may fit what you’re looking for.
It feels kind of like an « I love you » book, since it is parents describing their child, and what they love about their child.
It is not really a story. But if you are looking for an « I love you book » with a diverse cast of characters, this may fit what you’re looking for.
November 18, 2019
A charming celebration of love a father has for his daughter.
A father observes as his young daughter plays outside one summer evening. When their game of hide and seek is done, he allows her to spend a few extra minutes by herself to enjoy the evening.
Keturah A. Bobo's acrylic illustrations are edited with Adobe PS. There is an inner light in each of the children as they play in the dark.
Recommended for PreSchool - grade 1.
A father observes as his young daughter plays outside one summer evening. When their game of hide and seek is done, he allows her to spend a few extra minutes by herself to enjoy the evening.
Keturah A. Bobo's acrylic illustrations are edited with Adobe PS. There is an inner light in each of the children as they play in the dark.
Recommended for PreSchool - grade 1.
July 3, 2020
“Show everyone else how to embrace the night like you. Teach them how to be a night-owning girl like you.”
A little girl goes out into the courtyard of her apartment complex on a warm summer night to play with friends. As parents look on, the children enjoy their games, including a game of hide-and-seek.
Evokes those childhood memories of summer nights with friends ... nights that you didn’t want to end.
A little girl goes out into the courtyard of her apartment complex on a warm summer night to play with friends. As parents look on, the children enjoy their games, including a game of hide-and-seek.
Evokes those childhood memories of summer nights with friends ... nights that you didn’t want to end.
May 29, 2021
This book is beautiful and made with immense love. The words are poetic, and to say that is not for children is honestly untrue. While children might not know the words to describe poetic devices just yet, they are fully capable of feeling the beauty and cadence of this author’s work. The illustrations are spectacular, and the text is not overwhelming. Many pages are dedicated entirely to illustration. Incredible and beautiful project—can’t wait to share this with my students.
August 6, 2020
This is a beautiful Black joy bedtime story best suited for ages 4+. My 5yo really enjoyed it, especially the moonlit game of tag. She had to find the last child hiding in the illustrations.
The language is on the flowery side, but that's a feature not a bug when it comes to bedtime stories. Let the rhythm of the words lull them to peaceful slumber.
The language is on the flowery side, but that's a feature not a bug when it comes to bedtime stories. Let the rhythm of the words lull them to peaceful slumber.
March 19, 2022
This book has a beautiful and glowing picture about a little girl and her friends while they playing a nighttime hide and seek game, the book teaches the kids confidence and it also has a lot of love and joy expression.
Little one, so calm and so happy, the darkness of the night is yours like the darkness of your skin is my favorite part of this story.
Little one, so calm and so happy, the darkness of the night is yours like the darkness of your skin is my favorite part of this story.
April 26, 2023
The lovely sultry summer night in the city is the setting of "The Night is Yours" by Abdul-Razak Zachariah, but the main character outshines the lovely even breezes and double dutch beats. Amani means "wishes" according to her mother and she fulfills their every one in the evenings when all is possible.
September 3, 2025
This is a unique setting (apartment complex) and premise (after dark play, supervised by parents from windows) and literary device (parent narrates daughter's actions as he observes). He is wistful about his daughter's immersion in play and in the moonlight. I think the book could have been stronger with one particular theme. The illustrations were just-ok to me.
September 7, 2019
9/2/2019 ~ A dad's ode to the beauty & strength of his daughter as she plays with friends in the courtyard of the apartment building. Parts are perhaps too abstract for most elementary read-aloud experiences. I could see this working well in a very intimate, home reading experience.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 75 reviews