The Night the Forest Came to Town by Charles Ghigna (Picture Book Review)

The Night the Forest Came to Town

by Charles Ghigna

Illustrated by Annie Wilkinson

Published by Orca Book Publishers

on October 9, 2018

Length:  32 pages 

Ages:  4-8  

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookDepository

Synopsis:

From dusk to dawn a forest creeps into a town where the grown-ups are too distracted to notice. But the children do. They see greenery take root in the lifeless cracks of dull sidewalks. They see an eagle build her nest atop a forgotten fountain and saplings start to sprout in dark corners. A gray-drab city defined by concrete and steel, vibrations and notifications, transforms into a living garden where apartment buildings overflow with window boxes full of flowers, birds sing songs through day and night and children laugh and tend to their gardens. Watch as nature reclaims this town. 

My Thoughts:

This is a beautifully illustrated poem about a bare, brick city and how nature returned to it. Seeds found places to grow in the nooks and crannies and empty lots.  Animals and birds found places to burrow and nest. And the children noticed. 

The illustrations are of a unique style and all set in dark hues to represent the night. We loved all the plants and animals and how the children noticed it all with bright curious eyes. 

There's a very clear message within this poetic picture book telling us to set down our electronic devices, look up, and notice the world around us. To see the changes and beauty every day. 


This gorgeous picture book celebrates nature, change, and growth and is a lovely poetic read aloud. We enjoyed reading it before bedtime the most!