Animal Facts

How had I NOT heard of The Nocturnals by Tracey Hecht? It’s an early reader and middle grade reading adventure that pairs fiction and nonfiction science books with incredible resources and lovable character friends— Dawn, the red fox; Tobin, the pangolin; and Bismark, the sugar glider. While I consider myself well-versed in the latest elementary science books and am always in search of the best series with classroom resources, I somehow missed The Nocturnals, but you won’t!

Looking for a fun take and make activity? We've got you covered!
Use our printable Animal Mask Craft to become your favorite member of The Nocturnals. All you need for this activity are coloring supplies, scissors, wood craft sticks, and tape. Don’t forget to share your creations!

Tobin from The Nocturnals book series by Tracey Hecht is a pangolin! You may have noticed pangolins are unique-looking creatures, but what you may not know is that pangolins' features are designed to help them survive. All their physical attributes perform a specific job! Here are four features that help pangolins defend themselves in the wild.
 

While writing The Nocturnals book series, it was really important to me to use the physiologies of the animals and their unique characteristics to inform and develop the characters and to enhance the plot and story dynamic. The details I learn about the nocturnal world constantly inspire and engage me. For World Pangolin Day (February 19, 2022), I am sharing some interesting facts I learned about pangolins while researching for Tobin, the sweet pangolin in the Nocturnals.