The Ominous Eye - (Nocturnals) by Tracey Hecht (Paperback)

About the Book

In the second book of the Nocturnals, Dawn, Bismark, and Tobin set out to investigate the source of a violent jolt that fractures the Earth! Along their journey, the Nocturnal Brigade meets an unfamiliar reptile--a tuatara named Polyphema--who reveals that a giant beast caused the destruction and will soon strike again. Full color.

Book Synopsis

"Returning fans will be rewarded" --Booklist

In The Nocturnals second chapter book, Dawn a serious fox, Tobin a sweet pangolin, and Bismark a pint-sized sugar glider, set out to investigate a sudden jolt that cracks the earth! Along the way, they meet a mysterious reptile, a tuatara, who claims the beast who caused the crack may strike again. But can this tuatara be trusted? The Nocturnals team up with a zany owl, jittery jerboas, and a flock of birds to set a trap to uncover the truth and unite the forest!

GREAT FOR KIDS AGES 8-11
Blends unusual animals and science for STEAM readers!
Now an AR Quiz
Full-color illustrations at the start of each chapter
Short approachable chapters and wide margins. 181 pages + bonus content
Bonus Book Content: Nonfiction Animal Glossary, Author Q&A, and Book Club Questions.
Download complimentary printable activities on the book's website: animal mask crafts, bingo, word games, discussion questions, and Common Core Language Arts and Next Generation Science educator guides.

READ ALL FOUR ADVENTURES WITH THE NOCTURNALS
The Nocturnals is a critically acclaimed middle grade chapter book series following three unlikely friends--Dawn, a serious fox, Tobin, a sweet pangolin, and Bismark, a pint-sized sugar glider. Discover the friendships, teamwork, and humor as the Nocturnal Brigade solves the unpredictable mysteries of the night.

In the third chapter book, The Fallen Star, Dawn, Tobin, and Bismark wake up to a disaster! A meteor has landed in the forest, blue lights glow near the crater, and animals are strangely affected. They meet Iris the aye-aye, a mysterious primate, who warns of a moon monster invasion. But can she be trusted? It is up to the Nocturnals to uncover the real explanation and save the animals!

Review Quotes

"The Nocturnals is an enchanting story about a group of animals who band together to protect their friends and find adventure. The characters are delightful and the nighttime landscape is captivating. It was just as I expected--because the best stories always take place in the dark!"--R.L. Stine, Author of Goosebumps

"Featuring spirited animal characters who deal with real-life scenarios in a relatable way...the books celebrate the very meaningful idea of friendship and what it means to forge positive relationships."-- "Amy Poehler's Smart Girls"

"Hecht continues to charm readers with delightfully drawn characters and consistent suspense...A welcome return of the colorful and curious trio--their next can't arrive soon enough."-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"Returning fans will be rewarded with the expected engaging plot twists, plenty of humor...and reaffirmation of the trio's mutual loyalty and friendship."-- "Booklist"

"The series addresses bullying and empathy in an easy, accessible way, and the books are meant to be read aloud."-- "New York Post"

About the Author

Tracey Hecht is a writer and the creative director of Fabled Films Press. She created The Nocturnals, the critically acclaimed middle-grade and early reader series. The American Booksellers Association chose her first book, The Mysterious Abductions, as a Kids' Indie Next List pick, and her nonfiction book Nighttime Animals: Awesome Features & Surprising Adaptations received the Children's Book Council Teacher Favorites Award in 2023. In partnership with the New York Public Library, she created a Read Aloud Writing Program that has since been conducted in hundreds of schools, libraries, and bookstores. She attends Bank Street College, where she is studying to receive a dual master's degree in childhood general education and special education. Tracey splits her time between New York City and Oquossoc, Maine.

Kate Liebman is an artist who lives and works in New York City. She graduated from Yale University and has an MFA from Columbia University. Kate contributes to the Brooklyn Rail, and has shown her work at multiple galleries. She grew up in Santa Monica, California.