#blogbookaday: Night Job
Summary:
“When the sun sets, Dad’s job as a school custodian is just beginning. What is it like to work on a Friday night while the rest of the city is asleep? There’s the smell of lilacs in the night air, the dusky highway in the moonlight, and glimpses of shy nighttime animals to make the dark magical. Shooting baskets in the half-lit gym, sweeping the stage with the game on the radio, and reading out loud to his father in the library all help the boy’s time pass quickly. But what makes the night really special is being with Dad. Newbery Medalist Karen Hesse’s quietly powerful story of a boy and his father is tenderly brought to life by G. Brian Karas in this luminous tribute to an enduring, everyday sort of love. ” (Taken from Goodreads)
Review:
When the sun sets on Friday night a little boy and his dad head to his dad’s job as a janitor at a school. They work hard throughout the night, stopping for a quick bite to eat and make it home just as the sun is rising for a new day. While his father works, the little boy shoots hoops and reads aloud in the library. He falls asleep waiting for his dad to wake him up for the ride home.
Personal Reaction:
You don’t often see parents working the night shift in children’s books. And when you do, it’s a brief mention of “dad/mom are heading into work while we’re getting ready for dinner.” I loved the description of the school at night. “He opens the door, and the building sighs.” It’s exactly how I feel about the library when we’re closed and everyone has gone home. I know exactly which light switches to turn on, I know what sounds to expect, and I love how peaceful it can be. I really enjoyed this look at a family who might operate a little differently from how someone else’s family works – a perfect window!
Title: Night Job
Author: Karen Hesse
Illustrator: G. Brian Karas
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication Date: September 11, 2018
This is a new idea I’m trying on my blog this year that was inspired by @donalynbooks and @heisereads – to provide a brief review of a picture book every day of 2018. You’ll get a brief summary of the story, a review of the content, illustrations and theme, my personal reaction to the book and all the pertinent publication information! Enjoy!
