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Night Night, Norman
A Light-hearted, Spirit-lifting Story about What Horses Do at Night While We Sleep.
In this charming and funny book, Norman the horse wonders where Ellie goes after she hugs him goodnight. One night he loosens the latch on his stall and sneaks out. When he pushes his horse-sized body through the door and into Ellie’s house, he smells something delicious coming from the kitchen. While Ellie sleeps, Norman investigates. His equine curiosity and clumsy hooves create all sorts of chaos, leaving us wondering, will he wake Ellie?
Laugh out loud with the adventures of Norman, and find out what happens when we think our pets are sleeping. A perfect book to read together before bedtime!
In this charming and funny book, Norman the horse wonders where Ellie goes after she hugs him goodnight. One night he loosens the latch on his stall and sneaks out. When he pushes his horse-sized body through the door and into Ellie’s house, he smells something delicious coming from the kitchen. While Ellie sleeps, Norman investigates. His equine curiosity and clumsy hooves create all sorts of chaos, leaving us wondering, will he wake Ellie?
Laugh out loud with the adventures of Norman, and find out what happens when we think our pets are sleeping. A perfect book to read together before bedtime!
18 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2020
652 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
November 5, 2020
Sweet and adorable story about a horse named Norman. Norman ventures out on an adventure one night after the little girl next door, Ellie puts him in his stall and hugs him night night.
Norman is such a curious horse and wants to see where Ellie goes after she hugs him goodnight. This presents a great opportunity for children to discuss what is reality or make-believe and predict what will happen if Ellie catches him out of his stall.
Fun story for all horse lovers and the illustrations are charming. I enjoyed the open-ended conclusion that gives kids the opportunity to predict what adventure Norman might have next!
Thanks to Author and Publisher for my beautiful copy.
Ages 3-6
January 28, 2021
This is such a beautiful book! The feeling of holding the actual picture storybook in your hands and reading out loud the story is something I simply cannot compare to anything else!
The illustrations are so well done and I am so glad that the cover art and the art style in the actual contents match and are the same.
This is the story of Norman, a horse and a little girl, Eliie, who takes care of him day and night.
Norman is a curious one and one day he lets himself in the house and causes a racket searching for Ellie.
This story book is quite adorable and presents well the attachment of animals and children. I love how playful the writing is and how it conveys the story in such an adventurous manner.
I love the fact that the physical copy is a hardcover with a beautiful dustjacket!
Thank you so much for sending me the physical copy of this amazing storybook, authors and the publisher!
The illustrations are so well done and I am so glad that the cover art and the art style in the actual contents match and are the same.
This is the story of Norman, a horse and a little girl, Eliie, who takes care of him day and night.
Norman is a curious one and one day he lets himself in the house and causes a racket searching for Ellie.
This story book is quite adorable and presents well the attachment of animals and children. I love how playful the writing is and how it conveys the story in such an adventurous manner.
I love the fact that the physical copy is a hardcover with a beautiful dustjacket!
Thank you so much for sending me the physical copy of this amazing storybook, authors and the publisher!
March 17, 2023
This is a children's book that I read to my twin boys. They really enjoyed this book. Some parts of this book made them laugh which I loved. I also loved the horse characters because I think it made them think of animals as living beings that thinks. What I did not like about this book was the ending because there really was no real ending. It just stopped which I really hate. The pictures are so pretty and will pull the child into the story. I won a kindle edition of this book from a goodreads giveaway, but this review is 100% my own opinion like all my reviews are.
September 13, 2020
As children grow, they become aware of the world around them, learn, test, imitate. And parents are the most important people that children need in order to become a socially responsible person who takes care of themselves and their environment. At these times when more and more cases of animal abuse and mistreatment are being recorded, all of us, as part of this society, need to instill empathy in our children, our future.
Therefore, Night Night, Norman by Marie Dimitrova is an excellent choice in the process of developing empathy for animals. The story of Norman the horse and the girl Ellie is a gentle and interesting story that talks about the love and connection between them. For mutual influence and care for each other. For the importance of one touch, one nice gesture that means so much to the two of them. While reading the story with my daughter, we simply laughed at the interesting events, Norman’s mischief, looked at the pictures and described the colorful illustrations and talked about the importance of animals in the world.
The cute, short story is of great length so that it can keep children interested and motivated. The described events are interesting and funny enough to make the children enjoy the tale, and the drawing supplement is a fantastic detail with which your child will enjoy the tale for a long time. The only negative effect is that my girl wants us to bring a horse at home, where will we put it, I wonder
Therefore, Night Night, Norman by Marie Dimitrova is an excellent choice in the process of developing empathy for animals. The story of Norman the horse and the girl Ellie is a gentle and interesting story that talks about the love and connection between them. For mutual influence and care for each other. For the importance of one touch, one nice gesture that means so much to the two of them. While reading the story with my daughter, we simply laughed at the interesting events, Norman’s mischief, looked at the pictures and described the colorful illustrations and talked about the importance of animals in the world.
The cute, short story is of great length so that it can keep children interested and motivated. The described events are interesting and funny enough to make the children enjoy the tale, and the drawing supplement is a fantastic detail with which your child will enjoy the tale for a long time. The only negative effect is that my girl wants us to bring a horse at home, where will we put it, I wonder
October 9, 2020
Norman lives in the barn and his friend Ellie takes care of him. Every night, Ellie brushes his mane, gives him an apple, and wishes him goodnight. One night, Norman wonders where Ellie goes after she leaves the barn. He decides to explore and try to find Ellie.
He comes across a house and thinks Ellie might be inside. He squeezes in and starts to explore. Norman gets into all kinds of trouble eating a pie, messing up the couch, and playing with the piano. As fun as the night is, he doesn’t find Ellie. Ellie awakes the next morning to a disheveled home and wonders what could have happened. Could it have been Norman? No way!!
This was a really cute children’s book. The illustrations were beautiful and engaging. I think this book will provide a lot of fun conversations with kids about what our pets do when we go to sleep and what kind of trouble they might get into. I also really liked how there was an activity at the end of the book that helps teach kids how to draw a horse.
I definitely recommend this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group for a copy of this wonderful book.
He comes across a house and thinks Ellie might be inside. He squeezes in and starts to explore. Norman gets into all kinds of trouble eating a pie, messing up the couch, and playing with the piano. As fun as the night is, he doesn’t find Ellie. Ellie awakes the next morning to a disheveled home and wonders what could have happened. Could it have been Norman? No way!!
This was a really cute children’s book. The illustrations were beautiful and engaging. I think this book will provide a lot of fun conversations with kids about what our pets do when we go to sleep and what kind of trouble they might get into. I also really liked how there was an activity at the end of the book that helps teach kids how to draw a horse.
I definitely recommend this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group for a copy of this wonderful book.
October 1, 2020
A very cute story about a girl named Ellie and her horse, Norman. Ellie has a nightly routine with Norman. It is the same routine every night. Until one night Norman, curious of what Ellie does when she leaves the barn, decides to follow her. Norman is thrilled to discover a whole new world outside of his barn.
With cute illustrations and a story to match, Night Night, Norman is sure to tickle a child's fancy. However, I might add that the ending is open ended. But, that ending can always lead to discussions on different outcomes so that a new story evolves with each reading.
Four stars. I really liked it. I received a digital ARC from Greenleaf Book Group through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
With cute illustrations and a story to match, Night Night, Norman is sure to tickle a child's fancy. However, I might add that the ending is open ended. But, that ending can always lead to discussions on different outcomes so that a new story evolves with each reading.
Four stars. I really liked it. I received a digital ARC from Greenleaf Book Group through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
October 3, 2020
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Night night, normal is a delightful children's book about a little girl and her horse Norman. Every night Ellie has the same routine with Norman where she settles him in his stall for the night. But one night, Norman becomes curious about where Ellie goes and decides to follow her.
Norman discovers many new things on his night adventure that he's curious about.
This book is a great bedtime read for children and my little one really enjoyed it.
Night night, normal is a delightful children's book about a little girl and her horse Norman. Every night Ellie has the same routine with Norman where she settles him in his stall for the night. But one night, Norman becomes curious about where Ellie goes and decides to follow her.
Norman discovers many new things on his night adventure that he's curious about.
This book is a great bedtime read for children and my little one really enjoyed it.
March 27, 2021
A darling book about a horse who wonder what the little girl, Ellie, does and where she goes after she tends to him at night. He wanders to her house, manages to get inside and has a grand time (while she is sleeping)!
November 29, 2020
Sweet Kids' Book
I won this book on Goodreads. I'm happy to have it in my library. A sweet story about a little girl and her curious horse.
I won this book on Goodreads. I'm happy to have it in my library. A sweet story about a little girl and her curious horse.
November 5, 2020
Night after night, Ellie brushes Norman, feeds him his apple, and he goes to bed. But what happens to Ellie after she leaves? Where does she go? Norman is determined to find out!
Everly said this book was fun because Norman was so silly and clumsy. She also said the pictures were pretty and Norman was a pretty horse. 5 ⭐️ from the 4 year old!
I agree with E! The concept was adorable and the hijinks that ensued were hilarious! The illustrations were absolutely gorgeous. They were so vivid and the minor details added really made the story come to life. I’m also giving a 5 ⭐️.
Thank you so much to the author and GreenelafPR for the gifted copy. This was a perfect nighttime story to let their minds wonder into dreamland. If you have any youngins, I highly recommend Night Night Norman.
Everly said this book was fun because Norman was so silly and clumsy. She also said the pictures were pretty and Norman was a pretty horse. 5 ⭐️ from the 4 year old!
I agree with E! The concept was adorable and the hijinks that ensued were hilarious! The illustrations were absolutely gorgeous. They were so vivid and the minor details added really made the story come to life. I’m also giving a 5 ⭐️.
Thank you so much to the author and GreenelafPR for the gifted copy. This was a perfect nighttime story to let their minds wonder into dreamland. If you have any youngins, I highly recommend Night Night Norman.
November 5, 2020
Oh man, this was such a sweet book! It's a simple picture book that is both lighthearted and uplifting that can inspire children's imaginations. At its essence, it's about a girl and her love for her horse and all the things she does to take care of him. But it's also about the love he has for her and about each one wondering what the other one does at night. The illustrations are very sweet and I love that this can end up with conversations between kids and their parents about what their pets do at night while they're asleep. Or wondering if their pets wonder what THEY are doing when they're asleep. This is the perfect book to read with your kids at bedtime and I am only sad that my kids are older now. But I know they would have enjoyed this book when they were young and I can think of other children in my life who would enjoy this book. I laughed at some of the scenes when Norman tries to find Ellie and it made me think of my neighbor's blue great Dane and watching him run around the house--thankfully they had a big house. I think this book would be a great addition to any bedtime routine, especially if the children are animal/horse lovers.
Special thanks to the author and publisher for this advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.
Special thanks to the author and publisher for this advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 23, 2020
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for granting me early access to Night Night, Norman in exchange for an honest review.
Night Night, Norman is the story of a curious horse who wants to see where his beloved girl Ellie goes at night, lets himself into her house, and discovers all sorts of human wonders he's never seen before. This story is so much fun and beautifully illustrated! I invited my almost-3-year-old to sit with me as I read it. Like mother like daughter, she's obsessed with horses, and she absolutely loved this book! We're going to have to grab a physical copy for her for Christmas so she can enjoy it without using my computer. She was especially delighted to see the illustrations of Norman interacting with the piano, and I thought that was adorable because she's always lining up her horse toys on our piano.
This is by far the cutest children's title I've reviewed this month, and I really loved the beautiful and anatomically correct horse illustrations throughout. Thank you for hiring an illustrator who knows horses don't have the same leg joint configuration as dogs (all hocks) or elephants (all knees.) As both a horse lover and a fellow illustrator, seeing beautiful and correct horse illustrations was very much appreciated.
I'll also be recommending this title to my mother and sister who both teach in the K-2 grade range.
Night Night, Norman is the story of a curious horse who wants to see where his beloved girl Ellie goes at night, lets himself into her house, and discovers all sorts of human wonders he's never seen before. This story is so much fun and beautifully illustrated! I invited my almost-3-year-old to sit with me as I read it. Like mother like daughter, she's obsessed with horses, and she absolutely loved this book! We're going to have to grab a physical copy for her for Christmas so she can enjoy it without using my computer. She was especially delighted to see the illustrations of Norman interacting with the piano, and I thought that was adorable because she's always lining up her horse toys on our piano.
This is by far the cutest children's title I've reviewed this month, and I really loved the beautiful and anatomically correct horse illustrations throughout. Thank you for hiring an illustrator who knows horses don't have the same leg joint configuration as dogs (all hocks) or elephants (all knees.) As both a horse lover and a fellow illustrator, seeing beautiful and correct horse illustrations was very much appreciated.
I'll also be recommending this title to my mother and sister who both teach in the K-2 grade range.
November 10, 2020
Norman the horse is cared for by Ellie. During the day he is fed, brushed and given treats. However, at night Ellie goes into the house next door to the barn. Norman wonders what Ellie does in the house. One night he explores Ellie's house and finds some wonderful things, such as apple pie, couches and a piano.
Night, Night Norman in a fun bedtime story perfect for curious learners. Norman's antics will have children laughing as well as wondering what their own pets or other animals are up to at night. The whimsical, colorful illustrations add to the enchantment of the story. Night, Night Norman is perfect to read aloud to children aged 2-5.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Night, Night Norman in a fun bedtime story perfect for curious learners. Norman's antics will have children laughing as well as wondering what their own pets or other animals are up to at night. The whimsical, colorful illustrations add to the enchantment of the story. Night, Night Norman is perfect to read aloud to children aged 2-5.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
October 18, 2020
The illustrations in this book are so pretty and incredibly sweet! I loved the relationship between Norman and Ellie. The story is perfect for early readers and if you've got a kid that loves horses, I fail to see how they wouldn't enjoy this funny tale of Norman the horse discovering where Ellie goes after she says goodnight!
December 2, 2020
Night Night, Norman comes from the imagination of Marie Dimitrova and inspired by the real Norman, her funny, affectionate horse. As a child, Marie often wondered how Norman occupied his time as she slept. In the book, it's fictitious Norman who wonders what his girl does after hugging him goodnight.
Norman enjoys Ellie's company at Green Apple Barn. She brushes his mane, feeds him oats and hay, and a juicy apple. The evening ends in a comforting hug. What happens next? Where does Ellie go once she leaves? Norman decides to find out. Heading to the house next to his barn, Norman gets up to all kinds of mischief. He discovers a world of wonder as he looks for Ellie. Romi Caron illustrates the story beautifully.
Have you ever wondered what beloved pets do when you're asleep? Children can let their own imaginations soar as they visit Norman at Green Apple Farm. They'll get the opportunity to draw Norman, too. A fun drawing tutorial awaits the conclusion. I loved this sweet tale!
*Many thanks to Greenleaf Book Group and Marie Dimitrova for sending a beautiful ARC edition.
#NightNightNorman
Norman enjoys Ellie's company at Green Apple Barn. She brushes his mane, feeds him oats and hay, and a juicy apple. The evening ends in a comforting hug. What happens next? Where does Ellie go once she leaves? Norman decides to find out. Heading to the house next to his barn, Norman gets up to all kinds of mischief. He discovers a world of wonder as he looks for Ellie. Romi Caron illustrates the story beautifully.
Have you ever wondered what beloved pets do when you're asleep? Children can let their own imaginations soar as they visit Norman at Green Apple Farm. They'll get the opportunity to draw Norman, too. A fun drawing tutorial awaits the conclusion. I loved this sweet tale!
*Many thanks to Greenleaf Book Group and Marie Dimitrova for sending a beautiful ARC edition.
#NightNightNorman
December 6, 2020
Night Night, Norman by Marie Dimitrova. Illustrated by Romi Caron. 18 pages. Published 20 October 2020. Children’s Fiction. Kindle Edition. This was a Goodreads Giveaway win. 5 Stars.
Beautiful, colorful art a seamless match to flowing text about an inquisitive horse and his night visits to a little blonde girl’s cozy home—one he explores to his delight. Perfect for horse lovers! Highly recommend.
Beautiful, colorful art a seamless match to flowing text about an inquisitive horse and his night visits to a little blonde girl’s cozy home—one he explores to his delight. Perfect for horse lovers! Highly recommend.
September 9, 2021
We won a digital copy of this picture book from the publisher via Goodreads Giveaways. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Every night, Ellie visits a big, beautiful horse named Norman at the Green Apple Barn before heading off to bed. But one night, Norman decides to find out exactly where Ellie goes and leaves the barn! What mischief could a horse possibly get into?
This is the perfect bedtime story!
Join the overly curious Norman on a nightly jaunt!
This silly picture book will have your Littles in fits of giggles over Norman and his night-time nonsense.
Night Night, Norman is beautifully illustrated in traditional styles and includes a bonus 'How to Draw Norman' page at the end of the story!
This review was originally shared on Lazy Day Literature.
Every night, Ellie visits a big, beautiful horse named Norman at the Green Apple Barn before heading off to bed. But one night, Norman decides to find out exactly where Ellie goes and leaves the barn! What mischief could a horse possibly get into?
This is the perfect bedtime story!
Join the overly curious Norman on a nightly jaunt!
This silly picture book will have your Littles in fits of giggles over Norman and his night-time nonsense.
Night Night, Norman is beautifully illustrated in traditional styles and includes a bonus 'How to Draw Norman' page at the end of the story!
This review was originally shared on Lazy Day Literature.
November 6, 2020
I want to thank Marie Dimitrova, author and Goodreads First Reads Giveaway for the eBook Kindle copy of Night Night, Norman that I won in the Giveaway.
Night Night, Norman is a beautifully illustrated story of how a little girl, Ellie tells her horse Norman good night and disappears into her home next to the stable. Norman comes to find her and enters the house and finds apple pie, a soft sofa and a piano and leaves a mess. It is a cute story the my great-granddaughter loved.
Night Night, Norman is a beautifully illustrated story of how a little girl, Ellie tells her horse Norman good night and disappears into her home next to the stable. Norman comes to find her and enters the house and finds apple pie, a soft sofa and a piano and leaves a mess. It is a cute story the my great-granddaughter loved.
November 21, 2020
I won a Goodreads giveaway of this ebook, and my three (almost four) year old loved it!! The illustrations are darling and the story kept him entertained and engaged. This is a great addition to our bedtime story collection.
October 19, 2020
I was lucky to win this in a Goodreads Giveaway.
This is a cute story with lovely illustrations. Looking forward to sharing with my grandchildren, especially the littler ones.
This is a cute story with lovely illustrations. Looking forward to sharing with my grandchildren, especially the littler ones.
October 10, 2020
Night Night, Norman is a beautiful read. I would gladly share this as a read aloud with a wide range of young readers. Beautiful illustrations and story!
November 24, 2020
Cute story about wondering where Ellie goes when she leaves the eyesight of Norman, the horse. The illustrations are cute and flow well with the words. The story is easily understood and liked by young kids.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book for my honest review.
September 24, 2020
Night Night, Norman by Marie Dimitrova is an adorable book about a horse who wonders where Ellie, the little girl who takes care of him, goes after she hugs him goodnight. He decides to find out for himself, breaks out of his stall, and discovers some of the best things he has ever experienced...and a bit of mischief along the way.
This is a fun book for out loud reading because of the onomatopoeia used in combination with short-winded prose. Children will love to yell out "swish swish" or "crunch crunch" and so on when it's time.
The illustrations are wonderful--beautifully colored with adorable characters that little ones, and adults alike, will appreciate. Be sure to pay special attention to the illustrations with sheet music. Illustrator Romi Caron did, and it shows. I love that there is a page at the end showing how to draw Norman. I just wish there were some words to go along with the step-by-step drawing in order to explain a little more of how to get from circles with connecting lines to the last step where the horse has shading, a mane and other details. Without further instructions, this will just cause frustration for those attempting to recreate that final result.
This is a fun book for out loud reading because of the onomatopoeia used in combination with short-winded prose. Children will love to yell out "swish swish" or "crunch crunch" and so on when it's time.
The illustrations are wonderful--beautifully colored with adorable characters that little ones, and adults alike, will appreciate. Be sure to pay special attention to the illustrations with sheet music. Illustrator Romi Caron did, and it shows. I love that there is a page at the end showing how to draw Norman. I just wish there were some words to go along with the step-by-step drawing in order to explain a little more of how to get from circles with connecting lines to the last step where the horse has shading, a mane and other details. Without further instructions, this will just cause frustration for those attempting to recreate that final result.
October 23, 2020
What a delightful story! Norman, the horse, lives at Green Apple Barn. Ellie lives next door. She gives Norman the best of care - feeding him oats and hay and apples. She spends time brushing his mane. When evening comes Ellie kisses Norman goodnight and leaves the stall. Where does she go? And what does she do when she leaves? One night, Norman lets his curiosity lead him on an adventure. Leaving the barn, he finds a smaller door and squeeeeezzzes through the door. He finds food he has never tasted, soft, comfy places to rest and this strange-looking that that makes noises - could it be music? What he does not find is his little girl, Ellie, and he returns to the barn. Ellie, on awakening, wonders what in the world happened to the couch, and the music, and the apple pie! No way can a horse get into a house. She visits Norman and cares for him, and kisses him goodnight. But Norman isn't quite ready to go to sleep yet. What new adventure will he find?
The story of Norman the horse and his girl, Ellie, is a lovely, gently illustrated story of caring for each other. A great book to teach empathy, this would work well in a classroom, or for a family read.
I received a copy of this book from Greenleaf Book Group, in exchange for an honest review.
The story of Norman the horse and his girl, Ellie, is a lovely, gently illustrated story of caring for each other. A great book to teach empathy, this would work well in a classroom, or for a family read.
I received a copy of this book from Greenleaf Book Group, in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2020
Open up this enchanting storybook and take a stroll to Green Apple Barn, where a curious horse named Norman is about to set off on an adventure.
Norman’s whole world revolves around a little girl, Elle, who is his family and greatest friend.
She tenderly feeds and grooms him and always makes sure to reward Norman with his favorite treat: fresh, deliciously tart green apples.
But when their time together comes to an end each day, where does Ellie go?
Norman is determined to find out, and all sorts of shenanigans are sure to ensue when he does, from tumbling over furniture to uncovering the most delicious of treats in the kitchen.
But when all is said and done, will Norman succeed in finding Elle?
You’ll have to wait until night falls at Green Apple barn and see for yourself.
Accompanied by beautiful illustrations by Romi Caron, Night Night, Norman is a tale full of whimsy and fun that is sure to delight children and adults alike as they follow this most loveable of horses on his nighttime adventure.
And, if you’d like to create your own adventures for Norman, you can learn how to draw him at the back of the book!
Norman’s whole world revolves around a little girl, Elle, who is his family and greatest friend.
She tenderly feeds and grooms him and always makes sure to reward Norman with his favorite treat: fresh, deliciously tart green apples.
But when their time together comes to an end each day, where does Ellie go?
Norman is determined to find out, and all sorts of shenanigans are sure to ensue when he does, from tumbling over furniture to uncovering the most delicious of treats in the kitchen.
But when all is said and done, will Norman succeed in finding Elle?
You’ll have to wait until night falls at Green Apple barn and see for yourself.
Accompanied by beautiful illustrations by Romi Caron, Night Night, Norman is a tale full of whimsy and fun that is sure to delight children and adults alike as they follow this most loveable of horses on his nighttime adventure.
And, if you’d like to create your own adventures for Norman, you can learn how to draw him at the back of the book!
January 27, 2021
It's Cute But Peculiar
I'm of two minds about this book, though I will go ahead and say I liked it.
On the one hand, it's a cute book about the friendship between a girl and her horse with some cartoon-level shenanigans thrown in for laughs. I think a child who loves horses would enjoy having this book read to them at bedtime.
On the other hand, this book has a few flaws. The writing style is a bit hard to follow when characters are thinking, as there are no italics or quotation marks; if you do voices when reading to children, you'll have to be careful. The art doesn't always portray exactly what the story says (for example, Norman uses his nose to push something but the art shows him using a hoof instead), though it looks aesthetically pleasing. And for some unknown reason this girl who looks very young does not have any parents mentioned and seemingly lives alone. Would a child notice these things? I'm not sure. But it does give me pause.
Overall, I think this book is cute enough to warrant four stars, but I'm not sure if children who aren't very fond of horses would like it.
I'm of two minds about this book, though I will go ahead and say I liked it.
On the one hand, it's a cute book about the friendship between a girl and her horse with some cartoon-level shenanigans thrown in for laughs. I think a child who loves horses would enjoy having this book read to them at bedtime.
On the other hand, this book has a few flaws. The writing style is a bit hard to follow when characters are thinking, as there are no italics or quotation marks; if you do voices when reading to children, you'll have to be careful. The art doesn't always portray exactly what the story says (for example, Norman uses his nose to push something but the art shows him using a hoof instead), though it looks aesthetically pleasing. And for some unknown reason this girl who looks very young does not have any parents mentioned and seemingly lives alone. Would a child notice these things? I'm not sure. But it does give me pause.
Overall, I think this book is cute enough to warrant four stars, but I'm not sure if children who aren't very fond of horses would like it.
October 8, 2020
Every night Ellie visits Norman who lives in the corner stall of the Green Apple Barn, right next to her house. Every night she feeds him oats and hay, she brushes his mane and gives him a big, juicy apple. Then she hugs him goodnight.
Norman wonders where Ellie goes when she leaves for the night and doesn’t come back until the next morning. So one night he loosens the latch on his stall door and goes in search of his friend.
Young children will find this book laugh-out-loud funny and are sure to giggle at Norman’s antics in this charming picture book. Charming pictures portray the love between Ellie and Norman and the story of what pets do while children sleep is both silly and sweet. It’s a perfect book for parents to share with their young children. What else might they imagine a horse doing at night?
A bonus for children: instructions on drawing Norman follow the story. And, since Norman was a real horse, children can see pictures of the horse on the author’s website.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
Norman wonders where Ellie goes when she leaves for the night and doesn’t come back until the next morning. So one night he loosens the latch on his stall door and goes in search of his friend.
Young children will find this book laugh-out-loud funny and are sure to giggle at Norman’s antics in this charming picture book. Charming pictures portray the love between Ellie and Norman and the story of what pets do while children sleep is both silly and sweet. It’s a perfect book for parents to share with their young children. What else might they imagine a horse doing at night?
A bonus for children: instructions on drawing Norman follow the story. And, since Norman was a real horse, children can see pictures of the horse on the author’s website.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
November 3, 2020
I was given the opportunity via Greenleaf Book Group to read Night Night, Norman. I voluntarily chose to review this children's book and my opinion is freely given.
Night Night, Norman is a lighthearted children's story about a horse named Norman, who wonders where his owner Ellie goes after she tucks him in at night. Will Norman's adventure yield him the results he seeks?
Night Night, Norman is a sweet story about the love between a girl and her horse. The book is well illustrated, with bright colors and whimsical drawings, while the story is a bit humorous. The author has included a step-by-step instructional page for learning to draw Norman, which children will enjoy. Overall, the concept is very good and I love the idea of a horse wondering what his owner does when they are apart. I would definitely recommend Night Night, Norman to children who love animals and to parents or educators who love stories with good messages.
Night Night, Norman is a lighthearted children's story about a horse named Norman, who wonders where his owner Ellie goes after she tucks him in at night. Will Norman's adventure yield him the results he seeks?
Night Night, Norman is a sweet story about the love between a girl and her horse. The book is well illustrated, with bright colors and whimsical drawings, while the story is a bit humorous. The author has included a step-by-step instructional page for learning to draw Norman, which children will enjoy. Overall, the concept is very good and I love the idea of a horse wondering what his owner does when they are apart. I would definitely recommend Night Night, Norman to children who love animals and to parents or educators who love stories with good messages.
September 7, 2020
Night Night Norman features a child, Ellie, and her horse Norman, whom she cares for.
Norman is curious about where Ellie goes when she is not in the barn with him and decides to explore for himself.
On his adventure through Ellie's house he comes across some weird and wonderful things that he doesn't understand, although he can appreciate for example, their sound or comfort.
Although he is not successful in finding Ellie he discovers a need to explore and sets of on a new adventure at the end of the book.
For children, this story although ably supported by Romi Caron's magnificent illustrations, just doesn't reach a satisfactory conclusion and in fact, needs to be explained to children.
A lovely touch however was the drawing 'tutorial' on the final page which I believe would encourage young readers to try attempt to draw their very own Norman.
Norman is curious about where Ellie goes when she is not in the barn with him and decides to explore for himself.
On his adventure through Ellie's house he comes across some weird and wonderful things that he doesn't understand, although he can appreciate for example, their sound or comfort.
Although he is not successful in finding Ellie he discovers a need to explore and sets of on a new adventure at the end of the book.
For children, this story although ably supported by Romi Caron's magnificent illustrations, just doesn't reach a satisfactory conclusion and in fact, needs to be explained to children.
A lovely touch however was the drawing 'tutorial' on the final page which I believe would encourage young readers to try attempt to draw their very own Norman.
September 14, 2020
"Night Night, Norman" by Marie Dimitrova is a cute book that I think would be fun to read aloud to a group of preschoolers! It centers on Noman, a tall curious horse, and Ellie, the caring girl that tends to Norman. I really appreciated the fact that this book showed a loving relationship between animals and humans. It showed a girl that appreciated and tended to her horse. I think it does a good job helping kids gain empathy for animals. One night after Ellie says goodnight to Normal he wonders to himself where she goes at night. He lets his curiosity get the best of him and wanders into Ellie's house. Let's just say he gets into a bit of mischief there...
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of "Night Night, Norman" in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of "Night Night, Norman" in exchange for an honest review.
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