Simply stunning. The beauty of nighttime and the life that is so active in the dark are too often overlooked and under appreciated. This book is informative, gorgeous, and all around wonderful. At times I would have liked the photos to be larger to provide a better view, but this is a minor concern and doesn’t detract from the enjoyment of the book in any major way.

This was such a cool nature guide book! I really enjoyed the detailed chapters along with great photos to supplement the text. Very easy to follow along with the text.

Good for all ages, for anyone curious about what goes on in nature at night! Thanks to Timber Press and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC, all opinions are my own.

The photos are beautiful and the writing is a good mix of fact and humor. It is aimed at children (based on publisher information), but the words-to-photo mix lends itself to middle/high school grades. The writing style is solidly 5-7th grade. I was hoping for more photos and fewer words per page.

The information is great and well organized. This would be a great book for a school library or public library non-fiction children's section.

This unbiased review was given in exchange for an AeRC of the book through netgalley.

This book is a wealth of information on the world that awakens in the dark. The writing style is clear, well-researched, engaging and often humorous.

The photographs are stunning, and they go hand in hand with the text to give the reader a fulfilling and joyful experience.

I recommend “Nature at Night” as a valuable reference at libraries, for all ages.

Thank you to NetGalley and Timber Press for the e-ARC.

This is a 300ish page nonfiction informative book about nocturnal animals. They are separated into categories. The photos are remarkable.

The photography in this book is beautiful, although, I wish there was more of it. The accompanying chapters are fine and informative, but I think the balance is off for something that seems to be a photography book.

This middle to upper-grade book is packed full of amazing photographs and information about nature after the sun goes down. Younger readers will find interest in the pictures and captions. Covering topics as diverse as bird migration, night-flying moths to urban coyotes, and a variety of other night-loving animals, this book is packed with information a nature lover will enjoy. Don't miss the chapter on bats that is robust enough to be its own book.

Book Review: Nature at Night: Discover the Hidden World That Comes Alive after Dark by Charles Hood

Rating: 4 Stars

As someone who’s always been fascinated by the mysteries of the night, Nature at Night by Charles Hood was a real treat to dive into. This book takes you on a global journey to witness the incredible life that thrives once the sun sets—a world often overlooked or misunderstood. Hood beautifully captures everything from glowing bioluminescent creatures to moonlit flowers and the diverse animals active in the dark, all through his stunning photography and engaging storytelling.

The book debunks the old myth that the night is just a time of danger, revealing instead a vibrant ecosystem alive with color and activity. You’ll find yourself marveling at scenes like the Northern and Southern Lights painting the sky, delicate desert blooms attracting moths under the moon, grizzly bears snacking on insects in the Rockies before hibernation, dolphins chasing squid at night in the ocean, and jaguars stealthily hunting in the jungle shadows. Hood’s firsthand accounts bring these moments to life with a mix of scientific insight and light-hearted humor, making it both informative and enjoyable.

One of the first things that caught my eye was the absolutely gorgeous cover—it's a perfect invitation for anyone who loves night and nature. The photography inside lives up to that initial impression, filled with over 240 breathtaking images that make you feel like you’re right there in the wild after dark. The writing strikes a nice balance, blending factual details with a conversational tone that keeps things interesting without feeling heavy.

If you’re curious about what really goes on when the world sleeps or just want to appreciate some incredible natural beauty, this book is definitely worth checking out. I’m giving it four stars because while it’s a fantastic visual and educational experience, sometimes I wished for a bit more depth in certain sections. Still, it’s a wonderful celebration of the night’s hidden wonders that will leave you looking at darkness in a whole new light.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an advanced digital copy.
Oftentimes scientific books can be quite dense and overwhelm the reader with countless facts, making it hard to enjoy. With this one that wasn't the case. The author takes the reader on a delightful journey and tells you facts in an entertaining and interesting way. I'm exceptionally glad that I got to read this book and I might one get a physical copy.

I love exploring and learning about nature so this was a perfect read for me as the majority of creatures I see are during the day time. Very informative and beautiful read.

Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions written are completely honest and my own.

This book is about exactly as it's name says it's going to be about, Nature at Night.

Full of information and fun photographs that keeps the reader engaged. The only answer I'm left searching for is if the whale shark still has Charles's life preserver

Nature at Night Discover the Hidden World That Comes Alive after Dark is an amazing read. This text is high interest for all who love science. Perfect for the study of animal adaptations, science enrichment, gifted ed.

Loved, loved, loved. I felt like a child watching to a new world a discovering a lot
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

The amazing nocturnal world

We’re all aware that while we sleep a vast cast of other creatures are up and about during the hours of darkness. Charles has an interesting approach, he doesn’t just tell us about these amazing creatures, he takes the opportunity to use them to cover broader topics as well.

For example, the chapter on Dolphins, Diatoms and the great elevator of life tells us not only about these creatures and processes but together they give us a picture of the oceans after dark. Tapirs, Tenrecs and Tarantulas show us life on the forest floor and so on.

I really enjoyed his approach, it breathes life into how species live and work together to create ecosystems. He also share his knowledge of the best ways to watch nature’s nightlife along the way. I learned a lot from the book and it made me feel that I should get out there and experience some of these marvels for myself.