Nightsong by Sally Soweol Han

Nightsong by Sally Soweol Han

Published by University of Queensland Press

Book review

by Joy Lawn (Joy in Books) at PaperbarkWords blog

Who is Sally Soweol Han?

Sally Soweol Han is a new talent and the author-illustrator of two acclaimed picture books. Tiny Wonders won the 2023 CBCA New Illustrator of the Year.

Nightsong is a 2023 publication.

Both books have lyrical titles that reflect their content.

Sally Soweol Han has illustrated a couple of other books, most recently Footprint, written by Phil Cummings.

She is Korean-Australian and lives in South Korea.

Nightsong

We all know how it feels to be tired after a long day and desperate to get home. The interminable waiting of childhood is even slower and longer. Even worse, is the sinking feeling when something stops you reaching the comfort of home.

In Nightsong, the bus carrying young Lewis and his mother home after a big day in the cacophonous city breaks down with a flat tyre. At first it seems to be a problem but something good comes from it when, after his day of artificial and overwhelming sensory overload, Lewis discovers the peace and wonder of nature at night.

Hints of the natural world appear early in the book with the twinkling stars on the cover and luminous flying insects on the title page. Glimpses of nature and bird song are sensed early in the descriptions of the bustling, noisy city – albeit in the background – but they provide a link to what is coming.

The introductory pages are deliberately cluttered but flow into soothing space once Lewis wanders into the countryside. His mother allows him the freedom to roam whilst expressing her care, “Don’t go too far”.

The night outside becomes magical with astral constellations and the harmonising increasing brightness and allure of the fireflies. Lewis becomes comfortable enough to go beyond the hedge border and explore the creek and its creatures.

“The night sounds become a song.”

Once a replacement bus arrives and interrupts the scene with a loud, red “BEEEP!” Lewis is content and happy after his experiences, ready to enjoy the cosiness and protection of finally travelling home with his mother.

“But the songs of the night play in Lewis’s head all the way home.”

The writing and illustrative style of Nightsong is often minimal yet creates a rich tale with satisfying characterisation. A limited colour palette directs the narrative and tone, and textured illustrations and space give room for the reader’s own interpretation. Page composition, with its mixture of panels and double page spreads, creates contrast between the city and countryscapes. The blend of light and dark enhance atmosphere, perspective and depth.

Nightsong is a very child-friendly book despite its quality, uncommercial appearance.

Beginning with the child’s perspective – “Lewis listens to the TICK-TOCK of the clock. When will the grown-ups stop talking?”- it maintains this focus throughout. Children can follow along from the start and read the onomatopoeic words such as “POP!” and “HOOT HOOT HOOT”. Everything is carefully crafted to appeal to, include and inspire the child.

Lewis does indeed experience ‘nightsong’ and, like him, child readers are encouraged to ‘look up’. Alongside him, they are invited to imagine, explore, listen, wonder and play.

Why Not a Notable?

Nightsong is an excellent picture book and I am surprised that it is not a CBCA Notable book. I hope that it will be recognised in other awards.

Thank you to UQP for the review copy of Nightsong.

Nightsong at UQP

Sally Soweol Han’s website