The Night Market

Genres

Fiction > Contemporary

Content

Central Theme

Learning Concept

Race / Culture

Humanities > Customs & Cultures, Food

Early Language > Senses vocabulary

African > Nigerian

the night market

Author: Seina Wedlick

Illustrator: Briana Mukodiri Uchendu

Publisher: Random House Studio

Summary

Journey through a night at the market alongside a young girl and help her decide where to spend her coins. From the lively performances of storytellers, to the delectable smells of fresh dishes–there is a treasure for each preference in this maze of a market. Experience the sights, sounds, and tastes that linger long after the market winds down, and make sure to save a coin to come back!

Review

The illustrations are incredibly captivating. It has a fairytale feel to fully immerse the reader in the splendor of it all. For some children, the concept of a night market may be entirely new. This story wonderfully illustrates the vibrancy of a night market, which for many around the world, is an everyday experience. It’s a great way for kids to experience a new culture and customs that are seen in variation across the world, or for someone to have a nice warm reminder of home.

Language Facilitation Targets

  • Compare and contrast markets across different places. Discuss the various cuisine, art, trade, and produce that they might see in a grocery store at home, and then ask them to describe what they see in the pictures.

  • Sensory language: Describe the scenes in terms of what the character can see, hear, taste, smell, and feel.