Hugged by the Night

Spoken-word poet Harold Green III's dazzling picture book is a reassuring lullaby for bedtime fears and an affirmation of the beauty and power of Black identity. As darkness settles over the forest, three animals gaze up at the night sky and wonder how they can be as confident, proud, and fearless as she is. Hearing their wishes, the sky takes the animals into her arms and, with a gentle embrace, bestows upon each a powerful and transformative gift. Harold Green III brings his vibrant poeticism to this new, richly lyrical folktale illustrated with luminous art by South African designer Karabo Poppy. EMPOWERING MODERN FOLKTALE: This mythical story is meant to soothe a real-world problem—the discomfort descendants of the African diaspora can feel being far from home.