It may seem extraordinary to our Gen
Alpha readers of today that not so very long ago, our nights were not so bright, meaning, the world was a place of
less light pollution, certainly it was not illuminated by the blue light of so
many devices as it is now. Night Lights is more
than an evocative plea to value nature and honour the night. It is an
impassioned return to the author’s childhood home in Malaysia and a
spellbinding invitation to experience her memories of growing up in a verdant tropical paradise, focusing on the various forms of light that illuminated her
world.
The transition from modern day norms to the radiance of the steamy jungles of Asia is made swiftly, transporting readers into a playground of twisting vines and tumbling cousins as cheeky as monkeys. Song and laughter fill their days. By night the deep shadows of the tropics take over yet there is little to fear of the darkness as bare light bulbs cast comfort and Inda’s Tok-Bah’s (grandfather) stories of his days as a policeman enthral the children while grandmother, Tok-Mak prepares their meals in the half light. The nights are thus filled with joyous contentment.
Like the gardens that surround their
home, the nights teem with life and light: the symphonies of insects, the richly
decorated canvas of a star-flecked sky, the oil lanterns Tok-Bah swings to
illuminate new discoveries and the magical fireflies that twinkle and bewitch. Everything
is alight with love. Everything shines, just like Tok-Bah’s little ones.
These beautiful recollections form a
lyrical narrative that is not just a step back to a place and time were simplicity
snuggled in bed to the glow of hurricane lanterns. It is a tender and touching
tribute to family and the reverent relationship between child and grandparent.
Sumptuously illustrated in colours resplendent
of a tropical garden, each page is aglow with eye-catching detail. McGee leaves
little space unused creating a landscape of enthralling reality that translates
to the most magnificent, magical botanical playground for those uninitiated in
parrots beak heliconias, frangipanis, fan palms, crotons, taro elephant ears, bougainvillea,
monstera, even bat flowers, and my ultimate favourite, orchids. Despite much of this story taking place under
the cloak of darkness, bold colour choices reflect tropical blooms as well as
Malaysia’s vibrant cultural charms making this book a beautiful stepping stone
into discussions of cultural diversity.
Rich and real, pulsing with life and
energy, Night Lights, truly is a celebration
of nature, small moments of brilliance and enduring memories.
Title: Night
Lights
Author: Inda Ahmad Zahri
Illustrator: Lesley McGee
Publisher: Little Pink Dog Books,
$24.99
Publication Date: September 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780648652847
For ages: 4 – 10
Type: Picture Book
