Now That Night Is Near - by Astrid Lindgren (Hardcover)

About the Book

A charming Astrid Lindgren bedtime story available for the first time in English

Book Synopsis

A charming Astrid Lindgren bedtime story available for the first time in English

It's bedtime, and across the land everyone is settling down to sleep. The cows are lying down in their fields, the rabbits are snug in their burrows, and the birds are resting on their branches. Except someone isn't quite ready to close their eyes just yet...

A curious cat gently wanders through midsummer fields, forests and dusky Swedish landscapes as the sun slowly sets. When will he be ready to sleep?

Written by Astrid Lindgren, the bestselling author of Pippi Longstocking, and accompanied by luminous artwork from award-winning illustrator Marit Tornqvist, this soothing story is perfect for sharing with young children at bedtime.

Review Quotes

Young readers who enjoy the soporific spell of Goodnight Moon will appreciate this invitation to sleep, translated from the Swedish. Tornqvist's hazy, mostly earth-toned illustrations appropriately reflect the muted colors of dusk, and her detailed attention to the flora and fauna of the area will give readers plenty to find, name, count, and discuss. The biracial family (the mom has brown skin, and the dad presents White) makes this an inclusive story that counters prevailing stereotypes of rural farm families. A beautifully illustrated cat's-eye view of a quiet bedtime on a farm.' --Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

'This is such a sweet story, showing how night-time gently creeps into a country farm... The illustrations are wonderful. They are soft and cozy and filled with all kinds of little details. Children need to really look closely to see all the animals curled up for bed. This book is perfect for children between the ages of two and five years old. The story is simple, but there are many secrets hidden in the illustrations.' --Youth Services Book Review, 5 stars

'A lovely, gentle bedtime story about the world going to sleep when night arrives... Delightful, inviting and unique.' --Midwest Book Review

'A quintessential bedtime story told from the point of view of a cat who is wandering the Swedish countryside watching as all the animals settle in for the night. The hazy, earth-tone illustrations help create a sense of calm that descends while reading. Perfect for bedtime reading.' --My Kids Read the World

'If your children have major FOMO when going to sleep, this would be an amazing reassuring read... Little ones will love naming the different animals and finding the cat in each scene. [A] sweet read.' --Kid Lit is Lit

'This gentle, soothing story is perfect to lull your little one to sleep... The hand-painted illustrations by Marit Tornqvist are soft and stunning giving the book a tranquil and peaceful ambience! This book definitely deserves a spot in your bedtime reading rotation.' --The Blossoming Bibliophiles

Praise for Marit Tornqvist

'A celebration of childhood and friendship, replete with imagination, ambition, and even a bit of mischief... Touching, memorable, exquisite.' --Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review for Wake Up, Let's Play

'Tornqvist's watercolor and fine black lines make for very literal illustrations with lots of bright colors and recognizable objects to identify... The concept is strong and the illustrations are charming.' --Youth Services Book Review on Wake Up, Let's Play

'A simply beautiful picture book... Marit's vibrant artwork is accompanied by a lyrical story of awe, adventure and the loving relationship between a parent and child... Highly recommended.' --Midwest Book Review on Charlie's Magical Carnival

'Imagination takes reality for a grand ride... Filled with life and color, extravagantly costumed carnivalgoers, surreal details, and droll side business... A joyful celebration of free-range fantasy.' --Kirkus Reviews on Charlie's Magical Carnival

About the Author

Astrid Lindgren (1907-2002) was born on a homestead in Smaland, Sweden. Her most famous book, Pippi Longstocking, was published in 1945 to great success. She is also well known for Karlsson on the Roof, her books about The Bullerby Children and The Tomten. Her books are loved all over the world and have sold around 145 million copies. She won many awards, including the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award for Pippi Longstocking in 1973; the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1958; and the International Book Award from UNESCO in 1993. Marit Tornqvist is a multi-award-winning Swedish illustrator and author. In 2011 she was awarded a Golden Plaque from the Biennial of Illustration Bratislava, one of the most prestigious children's illustration awards. In 2024, Marit was the first children's illustrator to receive the esteemed Johannes Vermeer Award, the Dutch state prize for the arts. She is the creator of many books including Wake Up, Let's Play! and has illustrated several of Astrid Lindgren's picture books, including The Fearless Little Farm Boy (Floris Books). Marit divides her time between the Netherlands and Sweden.