Night Lunch

What struck me first about Night Lunch was the wonderful style of the illustrations. The textures and subtle use of colors among a mainly sepia palette really made the pictures come to life. As the night lunch cart rolls into town, a majestic owl cooks for his fellow animals. From a mince pie for Fox to puddings for little possums, Owl cooks up a beautiful smorgasbord. You can hear the crack of the eggs, the hum of the oven, and all the noises in the kitchen as the food is being prepared. Hungry faces look in on their food and smile as their tummies are warmed. After all his friends have eaten, Owl notices one small creature quivering while sweeping the streets. What Owl does next is a heartwarming lesson in kindness as he whips up a meal for the little mouse and sits to share it with him. This is a simple story for children of all ages, and the underlying lessons of empathy, kindness, dignity, and gratitude will remain timeless for generations to come.