Look Inside!
Illustrations by Jennifer Falkner, Secrets of the Stars, Neon Squid 2025.
Want to read a whole story? Click here to find out what happens in “Learning from the Expert.”
SECRETS OF THE STARS: 15 BEDTIME STORIES INSPIRED BY NATURE
Published by 
A beautifully illustrated collection of 5-minute bedtime stories about the wildlife that comes out at night.
Every night contains a thousand secrets… In this charming anthology of children’s stories by Alicia Klepeis readers will be guided under the light of the moon to meet the amazing animals that come out when we’re all asleep. In one story a lost wolf pup has to find its way back to the pack, while another looks at a flying fox as it goes for a midnight swim. Kids will be thrilled by the pineapplefish who has a flashlight built into its mouth, and marvel at a dung beetle that navigates by looking at the stars!
Other stories feature American alligators, Fennec foxes, wombats, snowy owls, bushbabies, flying frogs, luna moths and even a rat making its way across a sleeping city. All of these nighttime animals and their habitats are brought to life with impressive skill by illustrator Jennifer Falkner.
Each story in Secrets of the Stars is based on the real biology and behavior of these amazing wild animals, and at the end of each tale readers will find out more about the science that inspired the story. So as they drift off to sleep, they will know a little bit more about the animals that are waking up and beginning their day.
The cover features a timeless design with silver foil and a cloth texture, making this book the perfect gift.
Want to listen to a sample of the audiobook? Click play below to enjoy some African animals’ adventures under the Milky Way.
“Small scientists will revel in these wild nocturnal adventures.” —Kirkus
“Young naturalists will be engrossed in these fact-filled stories and the realistic digital illustrations that accompany them. A few of the featured species, such as the gray wolf and snowy owl, are staples of children’s nonfiction. Others, like the indigo bunting and the pineapplefish, can finally enjoy a long-overdue moment in the spotlight.” —School Library Journal
“In this beautiful collection, we travel around the world to discover some of the wonderful animals who come out at night. The five-minute stories reveal facts about the animals’ habitats and behaviours, wrapped up in cosy ‘a night in the life of’ tales.” —JUNO Magazine
