Early Reader Review: The Night by Mariachiara Di Giorgioc

Source: From the Publisher and Netgalley in Exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Night by Mariachiara Di Giorgio 

Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date:  September 15, 2026

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:

Synopsis: 

It’s a classically rainy night at home with the babysitter, and two siblings are itching for a little nighttime adventure. Inspired by the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale Hansel and Gretel, the siblings sneak out of the house and into the inky night.

Unlike the well-known fairy tale, the siblings's nighttime romp through the woods is full of wonder and fun, even a new friend! Their magical friend guides the duo across streams and through open fields, not unlike the fauns of Greek mythology, to partake in the splendor of the night. And as the moon gives way to sun, so is it time for the kids to return home where beds—and Mom!—wait.

Mariachiara Di Giorgio’s lushly illustrated, wordless tale is akin to a modern-day fairy tale and perfect for reading on the darkest of nights. After all, there is so much beauty to discover hidden in the darkness. What will you find?

Review: 

This was an illustrated children's book with no text. Readers have to interpret the story which is a bit odd and confusing. The illustration is eerie and unsettling but represents the dark scary night well. It has a fantastical vibe and definitely shows that Hansel and Gretel inspiration. 

Two kids are left with a babysitter (but she feels like a grandmother or witch too). At bedtime they run into the night for adventure or to find their mother, and odd creatures and plants appear for them, they take a rest in a cave, meet a stranger...they certainly had an adventure. 

I am not sure that younger audiences will get it. Honestly, I was a bit confused and it took reading the synopsis for more insight. 

Without any text, you are left with the illustration to get you through. It was a mix of dark tones showcasing the night which gave the sense of scary/ alone feelings but also this 'you will be fine' feeling somehow without much explanation. Illustrations were great with the theme and use of darks with pops of color that were light and shone brightly in the images. 

Overall, it was visually appealing but the story was confusing.