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Smoky Night
Winner of the 1995 Caldecott Medal
In a night of rioting, Daniel and his mother are forced to leave their apartment for the safety of a shelter. “Diaz has not been afraid to take risks in illustrating the story with thickly textured paintings against a background of torn-paper and found-object collage. Without becoming cluttered or gimmicky, these pictures manage to capture a calamitous atmosphere that finally calms. . . . Both author and artist have managed to portray a politically charged event without pretense or preaching.”-- The Bulletin
In a night of rioting, Daniel and his mother are forced to leave their apartment for the safety of a shelter. “Diaz has not been afraid to take risks in illustrating the story with thickly textured paintings against a background of torn-paper and found-object collage. Without becoming cluttered or gimmicky, these pictures manage to capture a calamitous atmosphere that finally calms. . . . Both author and artist have managed to portray a politically charged event without pretense or preaching.”-- The Bulletin
40 pages, Hardcover
First published March 31, 1994
26 people are currently reading
2,043 people want to read
About the author
Eve Bunting
284 books404 followersAlso known as Evelyn Bolton and A.E. Bunting.
Anne Evelyn Bunting, better known as Eve Bunting, is an author with more than 250 books. Her books are diverse in age groups, from picture books to chapter books, and topic, ranging from Thanksgiving to riots in Los Angeles. Eve Bunting has won several awards for her works.
Bunting went to school in Ireland and grew up with storytelling. In Ireland, “There used to be Shanachies… the shanachie was a storyteller who went from house to house telling his tales of ghosts and fairies, of old Irish heroes and battles still to be won. Maybe I’m a bit of a Shanchie myself, telling stories to anyone who will listen.” This storytelling began as an inspiration for Bunting and continues with her work.
In 1958, Bunting moved to the United States with her husband and three children. A few years later, Bunting enrolled in a community college writing course. She felt the desire to write about her heritage. Bunting has taught writing classes at UCLA. She now lives in Pasadena, California.
Anne Evelyn Bunting, better known as Eve Bunting, is an author with more than 250 books. Her books are diverse in age groups, from picture books to chapter books, and topic, ranging from Thanksgiving to riots in Los Angeles. Eve Bunting has won several awards for her works.
Bunting went to school in Ireland and grew up with storytelling. In Ireland, “There used to be Shanachies… the shanachie was a storyteller who went from house to house telling his tales of ghosts and fairies, of old Irish heroes and battles still to be won. Maybe I’m a bit of a Shanchie myself, telling stories to anyone who will listen.” This storytelling began as an inspiration for Bunting and continues with her work.
In 1958, Bunting moved to the United States with her husband and three children. A few years later, Bunting enrolled in a community college writing course. She felt the desire to write about her heritage. Bunting has taught writing classes at UCLA. She now lives in Pasadena, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 878 reviews
April 10, 2019
This is Eve Bunting. I appreciate her work. This was an intense story. My niece is scared of fire and this is about a riot and the building catches fire and the people have to leave. This story, which I didn’t pay attention to what it would be about, terrified my niece. We only read this story and she got very upset after. I should have seen how quiet she got and then she asked question after question and she wouldn’t sleep. It is a fairly intense story. I don’t recommend it for sensitive children.
The artwork is a media mix of watercolors, acrylics and a collage of photos and other stuff. I don’t think it’s all that great and I see that the Caldecott awards like these kinds of books.
It’s a well told story, but it’s intense for a young audience. I suggest you know your audience..
The artwork is a media mix of watercolors, acrylics and a collage of photos and other stuff. I don’t think it’s all that great and I see that the Caldecott awards like these kinds of books.
It’s a well told story, but it’s intense for a young audience. I suggest you know your audience..
October 6, 2017
Timely and focused upon issues that transcend geographical location.
January 12, 2018
While I do find Eve Bunting's Smoky Night an impressive, very much evocative, thought-provoking (and also important) picture book experiment, and really, truly much appreciate that she has managed to pen a narrative about a potentially touchy if not even objectionable topic (race rioting, racial tensions) that is neither openly inflammatory nor overly depressing and tragic (but simply, basically matter of fact), I really do not all that much care for David Diaz' accompanying collage like illustrations. I can and do indeed appreciate them for what they are and what they represent, but both the colour schemes used and especially the presented facial expressions feel uncomfortable, unnatural, and while this might, indeed, somewhat mesh with and mirror the serious subject matter of the author's printed words, it is still and truly not all that pleasant a visual and aesthetic experience for me.
And thus, and on an entirely personal level, Smoky Night shines not so much because of the accompanying illustrations (although I do realise and appreciate that David Diaz won the Caldecott Medal for them), but more thanks to Eve Bunting's featured text, a glowing narrational evocation which while presenting the potential horrors (and possible tragedies) that can, that do result from violent rioting, bigotry, blatant stereotyping (from racism in general), also manages to achieve all this without ever being overly graphic or gratuitously violent. Now, granted, the positive and cheering ending, while definitely appreciated and welcomed, is perhaps and indeed also a bit too perfect and rather deus ex machina like. However, and that being said, the always problematic societal scenarios, the incidents depicted in Smoky Night (and yes, even the rather facilely optimistic ending) do leave much to be discussed and possibly debated (and really, while Mrs. Kim agrees to visit with her cat, she does take her time, staring at the wall, considering, before finally accepting Mama's olive branch peace offering). And after all, and first and foremost, it is previsely these small gestures of friendship and acceptance that are required to jumpstart and fuel the fight against racial tension and bigoted behaviour patterns (and much more so than grand ideals and esoteric, often unrealistic philosophical musings).
And thus, and on an entirely personal level, Smoky Night shines not so much because of the accompanying illustrations (although I do realise and appreciate that David Diaz won the Caldecott Medal for them), but more thanks to Eve Bunting's featured text, a glowing narrational evocation which while presenting the potential horrors (and possible tragedies) that can, that do result from violent rioting, bigotry, blatant stereotyping (from racism in general), also manages to achieve all this without ever being overly graphic or gratuitously violent. Now, granted, the positive and cheering ending, while definitely appreciated and welcomed, is perhaps and indeed also a bit too perfect and rather deus ex machina like. However, and that being said, the always problematic societal scenarios, the incidents depicted in Smoky Night (and yes, even the rather facilely optimistic ending) do leave much to be discussed and possibly debated (and really, while Mrs. Kim agrees to visit with her cat, she does take her time, staring at the wall, considering, before finally accepting Mama's olive branch peace offering). And after all, and first and foremost, it is previsely these small gestures of friendship and acceptance that are required to jumpstart and fuel the fight against racial tension and bigoted behaviour patterns (and much more so than grand ideals and esoteric, often unrealistic philosophical musings).
October 25, 2016
I finally got to read Smoky Night, too. I was not a fan of the style of illustrations although I could appreciate their merit and thought the collages were creative and interesting ways to tie-in with the text. The story was heart-wrenching and heartwarming. On one hand, I appreciated seeing the riots through the eyes of a child and felt Bunting handled it in a deft way, not being too heavy-handed or graphic but still presenting the fright and the incredulity and awfulness. I was very glad that it ended on a positive note (and that the cats were safe!) It was nice to feel that something hopeful came out of the situation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2013
Smoky Night is about a young boy named Daniel and his night living through street riots. He watches out the window as people steal TVs, shoes, clothes, and food. He is woken up in the middle of the night to realize their apartment building is on fire and his cat, Jasmine, is missing. This story starts out simply being a boy and his cat. By the end of the story, the cat is the focal point, sending the reader the theme of the story. After finishing, I found myself pondering how I would have felt in Daniel’s situation. I was around his age during the California riots in the 90’s, and I remember watching some of the footage on TV. Asking students to step into Daniel’s shoes for a moment would be a good way to interest them in the story and upcoming lesson.
There are so many ways to use this book in a classroom. For independent reading, this book can be used in a 2nd grade classroom. In a 4th grade classroom the students can begin looking at the language used. For example, “They toss out shoes like they’re throwing footballs.” This is a great example of a simile. “Flames pounce up the side of our building.” This is a perfect example of personification. What does this look like to students? What animals pounce? What would flames pouncing look like? Tone, imagery, theme, symbolism (the two cats from different owners of different races holding paws), foreshadowing, point of view, conflict, diction, etc.; this book is filled with topics to discuss with students. I found myself easily considering bringing this story to use with my 6th graders. In a middle school classroom this book would be great to begin a discussion on racial issues or riots. Also, really understanding and breaking down the text and what the author is creating by the end of the story is something younger grades might not pick up on yet. 6th grade can really comprehend what Eve Bunting was trying to accomplish with this story.
Not only are the words powerful, the images are fascinating. Some background pages look like pieces of paper crumpled and glued together, others like pieces of a cement wall. David Diaz photographed each one. Each page represents what is going on in the story. When Mrs. Kim’s store is being robbed and cereal is being taken, it looks as if cereal has been glued all over the page. The images on top of the photographs are colorful and abstract, giving the appearance of sidewalk chalk drawings. We know it’s actually acrylics, but combined with the backgrounds he chose the drawings feel right at home.
After reading this book it reminded me of All the Colors of the Earth by Sheila Hamanaka. This book shares the joy in all the different colors of the races of the world and compares them to colors of animals in the world. This book is more age appropriate for K-2nd grade though, so it couldn’t be used as a comparison tool with the middle school level.
There are so many ways to use this book in a classroom. For independent reading, this book can be used in a 2nd grade classroom. In a 4th grade classroom the students can begin looking at the language used. For example, “They toss out shoes like they’re throwing footballs.” This is a great example of a simile. “Flames pounce up the side of our building.” This is a perfect example of personification. What does this look like to students? What animals pounce? What would flames pouncing look like? Tone, imagery, theme, symbolism (the two cats from different owners of different races holding paws), foreshadowing, point of view, conflict, diction, etc.; this book is filled with topics to discuss with students. I found myself easily considering bringing this story to use with my 6th graders. In a middle school classroom this book would be great to begin a discussion on racial issues or riots. Also, really understanding and breaking down the text and what the author is creating by the end of the story is something younger grades might not pick up on yet. 6th grade can really comprehend what Eve Bunting was trying to accomplish with this story.
Not only are the words powerful, the images are fascinating. Some background pages look like pieces of paper crumpled and glued together, others like pieces of a cement wall. David Diaz photographed each one. Each page represents what is going on in the story. When Mrs. Kim’s store is being robbed and cereal is being taken, it looks as if cereal has been glued all over the page. The images on top of the photographs are colorful and abstract, giving the appearance of sidewalk chalk drawings. We know it’s actually acrylics, but combined with the backgrounds he chose the drawings feel right at home.
After reading this book it reminded me of All the Colors of the Earth by Sheila Hamanaka. This book shares the joy in all the different colors of the races of the world and compares them to colors of animals in the world. This book is more age appropriate for K-2nd grade though, so it couldn’t be used as a comparison tool with the middle school level.
November 27, 2008
A young boy tells the story of living in during the Los Angeles Riots. Together, mother and son learn the values and beliefs of other cultures in order to create unity in their community.
March 25, 2017
Smoky Night written by Eve Bunting, is a children's book about a boy named Daniel and his mother watching rioting and looting in the streets below them. Daniel and his mother then both go to bed assuming the riots are over, but they quickly learn that their building is then on fire and have to quickly evacuate. However, Daniel is hesitant to leave because he can not find his cat. The search for Daniel's cat continues throughout the whole story and Daniel's cat and his neighbors cat are finally retrieved and returned to Daniel from a firefighter.
This book has been seen as controversial due to the portrayal of the urban violence that occurred in Los Angeles due to the Rodney King outcome. This book touches on racial prejudice that took place during this time and how it affected families during the riots. Viewers believe this book to be questionable because of the prevalence of violence that is apparent in this book. However, the story shows that different races can come together during a tradegy. This is also illustrated through the two families’ cats. They become friends after they get to know each other. While this book may showcase violence, the overall message is important.
Overall, I would definitely use this book in my classroom, but I would use it for older elementary students since the plot includes a part of history that is more appropriate for an older audience. I would especially use it in a history lesson to teach this important moment in history about racial prejudice and police brutality. I believe this book teaches this heavy moment in history in a light and optimistic way. Furthermore, I would use the central message of the book--that different races can come together to solve problems--at the core of my lesson because I believe this is such an important message for students to hear. Additionally, if students can learn this lesson at fundamental age, they will carry it out throughout their whole life.
This book has been seen as controversial due to the portrayal of the urban violence that occurred in Los Angeles due to the Rodney King outcome. This book touches on racial prejudice that took place during this time and how it affected families during the riots. Viewers believe this book to be questionable because of the prevalence of violence that is apparent in this book. However, the story shows that different races can come together during a tradegy. This is also illustrated through the two families’ cats. They become friends after they get to know each other. While this book may showcase violence, the overall message is important.
Overall, I would definitely use this book in my classroom, but I would use it for older elementary students since the plot includes a part of history that is more appropriate for an older audience. I would especially use it in a history lesson to teach this important moment in history about racial prejudice and police brutality. I believe this book teaches this heavy moment in history in a light and optimistic way. Furthermore, I would use the central message of the book--that different races can come together to solve problems--at the core of my lesson because I believe this is such an important message for students to hear. Additionally, if students can learn this lesson at fundamental age, they will carry it out throughout their whole life.
October 6, 2017
Smoky Night has a very clear message: if we take time to know other people, no matter how different they might seem from us, we might make new friends. But despite its overt didacticism, Eve Bunting's story is engaging and moving and her prose flows effortlessly.
When it comes to illustrations in Smoky Night, I am not a huge fan of David Diaz's drawing style and his staged composition (no matter what they are doing, the characters are always facing the reader, as if posing for a photograph). However, I LOVE the color scheme of Diaz's acrylic paintings and the texture of his creative three-dimensional mixed-media collage backgrounds:
When it comes to illustrations in Smoky Night, I am not a huge fan of David Diaz's drawing style and his staged composition (no matter what they are doing, the characters are always facing the reader, as if posing for a photograph). However, I LOVE the color scheme of Diaz's acrylic paintings and the texture of his creative three-dimensional mixed-media collage backgrounds:
June 27, 2011
Bunting does a nice job of presenting "scary" situations (a riot, theft, fire, missing pet) in a manner that is approachable and understandable for young readers. Children experience "scary" things all too often but we do not always consider their viewpoint or openly discuss how they feel...this book helps to address this void.
April 21, 2018
This is a sweet children’s book that tells the story of the fear of a young boy who is observing riots in his street, and how an unfortunate event can bring neighbors together and create new friendships.
September 1, 2015
This isn't an easy book to read as an adult because I grasp what it means, probably moreso than a child would. On the other hand, this book gently explains what a riot looks like even if the cause might be a little unclear.
Being a child while the world around you has gone violent and crazy is unimaginable. I hate that this book is still relevant. I hate that it's still needed. That said, it explains what it needs to. The illustrations capture the emotions even as the words capture the events around it. I feel a little bit sick inside at the end though. I wanted to be hopeful that things would change but there have been too many riots since this book was written for that. I wish this were history and not current events.
Being a child while the world around you has gone violent and crazy is unimaginable. I hate that this book is still relevant. I hate that it's still needed. That said, it explains what it needs to. The illustrations capture the emotions even as the words capture the events around it. I feel a little bit sick inside at the end though. I wanted to be hopeful that things would change but there have been too many riots since this book was written for that. I wish this were history and not current events.
September 26, 2010
This book tackles a very difficult subject, rioting. It's a good book if you want to talk about rioting. There was a part I left out where the child thinks he sees a dead body.
May 30, 2019
A young boy and his mother are caught up in the chaos and fear of an inner-city riot in this moving picture-book from author Eve Bunting and illustrator David Diaz. Watching from their apartment window, they see rioters smashing windows and looting stores. In a moment of clarity, Daniel observes that the rioters seem to be filled with both anger and happiness. Later that night, when their apartment building is set on fire, Daniel and his mother are forced to evacuate to a local shelter, leaving behind their cat Jasmine, who has gone missing. When a firefighter shows up with Jasmine, as well as the cat belonging to their neighbor Mrs. Kim, the unexpected trauma-induced friendship between the two felines prompts their humans to reconsider their own hostility to one another.
The Caldecott Medal winner in 1995, Smoky Night is a visually arresting picture-book, with bold acrylic and collage illustrations that reminded me a bit of Marc Chagall at times. Diaz's work here has a folk-art sensibility that is really quite striking, and he manages to depict the racially diverse cast of characters in such a way as to accentuate their similarities to one another, rather than their differences. The story itself is by turns heartbreaking and heartwarming, as it moves from the confusion and fear of the riots, to the reunion of two families with their beloved cats. I thought Bunting managed to capture a child's perspective on a disturbing event quite well, and presented a number of thought-provoking insights - the fact that rioters can come to enjoy the violence they are inflicting; the idea that not knowing members of other communities can lead to misunderstanding and hostility - in a way that is entirely natural within the story. Although Bunting's narrative was inspired by the real-life riots that occurred in Los Angeles in 1992, the story itself gives no specific details about place, time or cause, making it a tale with significance for a wider array of violent events like this.
I have seen Smoky Night criticized as being inappropriate for children, given its serious and sometimes scary subject matter, but while I think that may indeed be true for some youngsters, I believe it also reflects the real world experiences of other children, who will benefit from this depiction. Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories that address issues of community violence, prejudice and racism, and the possibility of healing, through better understanding.
The Caldecott Medal winner in 1995, Smoky Night is a visually arresting picture-book, with bold acrylic and collage illustrations that reminded me a bit of Marc Chagall at times. Diaz's work here has a folk-art sensibility that is really quite striking, and he manages to depict the racially diverse cast of characters in such a way as to accentuate their similarities to one another, rather than their differences. The story itself is by turns heartbreaking and heartwarming, as it moves from the confusion and fear of the riots, to the reunion of two families with their beloved cats. I thought Bunting managed to capture a child's perspective on a disturbing event quite well, and presented a number of thought-provoking insights - the fact that rioters can come to enjoy the violence they are inflicting; the idea that not knowing members of other communities can lead to misunderstanding and hostility - in a way that is entirely natural within the story. Although Bunting's narrative was inspired by the real-life riots that occurred in Los Angeles in 1992, the story itself gives no specific details about place, time or cause, making it a tale with significance for a wider array of violent events like this.
I have seen Smoky Night criticized as being inappropriate for children, given its serious and sometimes scary subject matter, but while I think that may indeed be true for some youngsters, I believe it also reflects the real world experiences of other children, who will benefit from this depiction. Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories that address issues of community violence, prejudice and racism, and the possibility of healing, through better understanding.
August 22, 2011
Smoky Night by Eve Bunting, illustrated by David Diaz is a picturebook look at the 1992 Los Angeles riots from a child's perspective. Among the difficult issues Bunting tackles are racism, rioting, loss of a home, prejudice, discrimination, and the loss of loved ones. This is a story about cats, and people, who couldn't get along until a smoky and fearful night brings them together.
Daniel sees the rioting in the streets of his neighborhood, where people burn buildings and loot stores. By the end of the night, Daniel and his mother must flee and head to a shelter. There he, and his mother, learn to confront their own prejudices and mend some fences with Mrs. Kim, a neighboring business lady.
The concept of getting to know those in your community before judging them or discriminating against them is well presented. The mother's advice to not shop at the Asian market, because they "buy from their own" is questioned toward the end of the book when Daniel points out the the cats can now be friends because "They probably didn't know each other before", but, "Now they do."
Gena's explanation of why people riot is understandable to a child:
"It can happen when people get angry. They want to smash and destroy. They don't care anymore what's right and what's wrong", says the boy's mother.
The Caldecott winning illustrations by David Diaz are in a collage format combined with acrylic paintings. A wide variety of everyday objects such as matches, cereal, plastic wrap and various fabrics and metals are used his collage backgrounds. The objects used in each page are usually mentioned in the text, which appears on the page next to each oil illustration. Such images echo the chaotic mood, letting the reader seem to feel the riot. Vibrant colors add to the mood and make these illustrations impressive and evocative.
My only quibble is over the idea that cats would be welcome in a shelter. They would probably not be brought there in the first place, but it certainly is intricate to the plot that is happens here.
This book could be used in social studies units, and lends itself to social and political discussions. Hopefully it will help teach children about kindness and tolerance, but also to always question those who approach conflict with violence. The final theme of reconciliation and understanding between neighbors is one that is certainly needed in today's fractious country and world.
For ages 7 and up, multi-cultural, cats, racism, rioting, loss of a home, prejudice, discrimination, tolerance, reconciliation, friendship, interpersonal relationships, peace themes, and fans of Eve Bunting and David Diaz.
Daniel sees the rioting in the streets of his neighborhood, where people burn buildings and loot stores. By the end of the night, Daniel and his mother must flee and head to a shelter. There he, and his mother, learn to confront their own prejudices and mend some fences with Mrs. Kim, a neighboring business lady.
The concept of getting to know those in your community before judging them or discriminating against them is well presented. The mother's advice to not shop at the Asian market, because they "buy from their own" is questioned toward the end of the book when Daniel points out the the cats can now be friends because "They probably didn't know each other before", but, "Now they do."
Gena's explanation of why people riot is understandable to a child:
"It can happen when people get angry. They want to smash and destroy. They don't care anymore what's right and what's wrong", says the boy's mother.
The Caldecott winning illustrations by David Diaz are in a collage format combined with acrylic paintings. A wide variety of everyday objects such as matches, cereal, plastic wrap and various fabrics and metals are used his collage backgrounds. The objects used in each page are usually mentioned in the text, which appears on the page next to each oil illustration. Such images echo the chaotic mood, letting the reader seem to feel the riot. Vibrant colors add to the mood and make these illustrations impressive and evocative.
My only quibble is over the idea that cats would be welcome in a shelter. They would probably not be brought there in the first place, but it certainly is intricate to the plot that is happens here.
This book could be used in social studies units, and lends itself to social and political discussions. Hopefully it will help teach children about kindness and tolerance, but also to always question those who approach conflict with violence. The final theme of reconciliation and understanding between neighbors is one that is certainly needed in today's fractious country and world.
For ages 7 and up, multi-cultural, cats, racism, rioting, loss of a home, prejudice, discrimination, tolerance, reconciliation, friendship, interpersonal relationships, peace themes, and fans of Eve Bunting and David Diaz.
September 16, 2011
Smoky Night is a story about a young boy named Daniel that is witnessing the devastation and destruction of riots in the streets below his apartment. While watching this all take place, Daniel's mother mentions, "when people get angry...they don't care anymore what's right and what's wrong". I found this to be an important concept and one that I continued to think about as I read the book and because this very basic concept can be applied to various parts of someone's life when people try to defend there actions.
I thought the presentation of such a serious matter was well done by Eve Bunting. Ms. Bunting tackled this serious matter by telling the story from Daniels perspective and what was important to him through all the chaos which was the safety of Jasmine. The honesty and seriousness of the topic is not lost by taking a more "gentle" approach of introducing the subject to children. The illustrations and background images that David Diaz used represented the story very well and were colorful, engaging images that I feel represents the basic innocence of a child while driving home the importance of the words on the page.
With the target audience being children, having a child tell the story made for an easy read. The words, that Ms. Bunting used got a very strong message across without focusing on the devastation and destruction. With so much to be learned from this story, I can see this book being one I would use if I ever have the opportunity to address the issue of racism and segregation in my classroom
I thought the presentation of such a serious matter was well done by Eve Bunting. Ms. Bunting tackled this serious matter by telling the story from Daniels perspective and what was important to him through all the chaos which was the safety of Jasmine. The honesty and seriousness of the topic is not lost by taking a more "gentle" approach of introducing the subject to children. The illustrations and background images that David Diaz used represented the story very well and were colorful, engaging images that I feel represents the basic innocence of a child while driving home the importance of the words on the page.
With the target audience being children, having a child tell the story made for an easy read. The words, that Ms. Bunting used got a very strong message across without focusing on the devastation and destruction. With so much to be learned from this story, I can see this book being one I would use if I ever have the opportunity to address the issue of racism and segregation in my classroom
December 1, 2016
• Book summary
-This is a moving story about a family overseeing riots happening outside their home. They stand and watch as the people destroy their street. The mother of the family explains to the children why and how riots occur. They all lay together and fall asleep for the night, until they woke up to smoke. Their apartments were on fire and they were forced to go stay at a refugee center. The son was searching for his cat and eventually a fireman arrived with two cats. The son and the owner of the other cat grabbed their fur friends. They all became great friends and eventually returned to their homes.
• Caldecott Medal
• Grade level, interest level, Lexile
-K-3
• Appropriate classroom use (subject area)
-Use during social studies teaching the civil war. Can also be used at younger ages to teach about the world and how important family is.
• Individual students who might benefit from reading
-Students that enjoy stories with a good story will enjoy this. As well as, students that are interested in history will like this.
• Small group use (literature circles)
-Students can analyze reasons riots happen. What can make someone want to join in a riot?
• Whole class use (read aloud)
-Students can discuss the events that happened in the book and if they know about any real world examples.
• Related books in genre/subject or content area
-Eve Bunting also writes “Fly Away Home”, which teaches children to appreciate what they have, and to always be who they are.
• Multimedia connections
-This book is available in paperback.
-This is a moving story about a family overseeing riots happening outside their home. They stand and watch as the people destroy their street. The mother of the family explains to the children why and how riots occur. They all lay together and fall asleep for the night, until they woke up to smoke. Their apartments were on fire and they were forced to go stay at a refugee center. The son was searching for his cat and eventually a fireman arrived with two cats. The son and the owner of the other cat grabbed their fur friends. They all became great friends and eventually returned to their homes.
• Caldecott Medal
• Grade level, interest level, Lexile
-K-3
• Appropriate classroom use (subject area)
-Use during social studies teaching the civil war. Can also be used at younger ages to teach about the world and how important family is.
• Individual students who might benefit from reading
-Students that enjoy stories with a good story will enjoy this. As well as, students that are interested in history will like this.
• Small group use (literature circles)
-Students can analyze reasons riots happen. What can make someone want to join in a riot?
• Whole class use (read aloud)
-Students can discuss the events that happened in the book and if they know about any real world examples.
• Related books in genre/subject or content area
-Eve Bunting also writes “Fly Away Home”, which teaches children to appreciate what they have, and to always be who they are.
• Multimedia connections
-This book is available in paperback.
February 6, 2017
This story takes us to a night of rioting in a city (the 1992 Los Angeles Riots, as it is clarified in the author's note in the back), where young Daniel, his mother, and his cat Jasmine are watching from their window. Although they family thought they were safe, in the middle of the night the riots come closer and closer! The family and the rest of the apartment building must leave! Once at a safe shelter, Daniel realizes his cat is missing! Mrs. Kim's (their neighbor) cat is also missing. What will happen?
This story's theme is about working together for a common cause, despite differences of culture, nationality, or background. It has a feel good ending that helps young readers (grades 1-3) learn this valuable lesson of cooperation. The illustrations are a beautiful combination of paintings and photo backgrounds that surround the main image.
The only downside to the story is that the setting is not set up or explained at all. The rioting in the story is only mentioned, but given no context. This would be confusing for students to read independently, and therefore, I suggest that if this text be used in the classroom, that the teacher give a little history lesson on the 1992 Los Angeles Riots. I think that although this story's setting refers to an important era in our history, it is not the focal point of the story. The focus of the story is really on Daniel, his cat, the neighbor Mrs. Kim, and her cat, and their strained relationship. I think this could be used as a read aloud/mentor text when teaching about determining the central message of a text.
This story's theme is about working together for a common cause, despite differences of culture, nationality, or background. It has a feel good ending that helps young readers (grades 1-3) learn this valuable lesson of cooperation. The illustrations are a beautiful combination of paintings and photo backgrounds that surround the main image.
The only downside to the story is that the setting is not set up or explained at all. The rioting in the story is only mentioned, but given no context. This would be confusing for students to read independently, and therefore, I suggest that if this text be used in the classroom, that the teacher give a little history lesson on the 1992 Los Angeles Riots. I think that although this story's setting refers to an important era in our history, it is not the focal point of the story. The focus of the story is really on Daniel, his cat, the neighbor Mrs. Kim, and her cat, and their strained relationship. I think this could be used as a read aloud/mentor text when teaching about determining the central message of a text.
February 16, 2017
Bunting, Eve. Smoky Night (1994).
Daniel and his mother are keeping the lights off and being as quiet as possible as they watch rioting in the streets from their apartment window. When a fire breaks out in their building, though, they have to exit quickly and leave behind their missing cat. Their neighbor, Mrs. Kim, is missing her cat as well. Although the two families have never talked (you stick to your "own people") differences are put aside once they realize how much they truly share in common. Beautifully told, this picture book gives us a child's perspective into the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Racial tensions, prejudice, rioting, fear and loss are addressed in beautiful bright, abstract, collage illustrations and straightforward text. Bunting, through a child’s eyes, helps us realize that to get along, we must all really make the effort to get to know each other. A wonderful book to read with children of all ages, even teens.
Winner of the Caldecott Medal Award (1995), American Library Association Notable Children’s Book, a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, a Parent’s Choice Award Winner.
Target audience: ages 5-10.
Daniel and his mother are keeping the lights off and being as quiet as possible as they watch rioting in the streets from their apartment window. When a fire breaks out in their building, though, they have to exit quickly and leave behind their missing cat. Their neighbor, Mrs. Kim, is missing her cat as well. Although the two families have never talked (you stick to your "own people") differences are put aside once they realize how much they truly share in common. Beautifully told, this picture book gives us a child's perspective into the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Racial tensions, prejudice, rioting, fear and loss are addressed in beautiful bright, abstract, collage illustrations and straightforward text. Bunting, through a child’s eyes, helps us realize that to get along, we must all really make the effort to get to know each other. A wonderful book to read with children of all ages, even teens.
Winner of the Caldecott Medal Award (1995), American Library Association Notable Children’s Book, a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, a Parent’s Choice Award Winner.
Target audience: ages 5-10.
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October 9, 2012 In Smoky Night, our protagonist witnesses riots throughout his neighborhood and must relocate with his mother to a shelter after their apartment building catches fire. In the end, the narrator’s cat’s friendship with the Asian market owner’s cat provides the starting point to a friendship between different races of people who did not trust one another beforehand. The layout of each page is rich with collage work, acrylic and water colored illustrations of dark blues and greens, while getting lighter with yellows when his cat Jasmine is saved from the fire. This book is a great representation of racial tension of the past, portraying riots from the perspective of a young African American boy who lived through them. The use of telling the story through cats is a great icebreaker and works to alleviate any harsh words that may have been shared within the shelter otherwise. Stormy Night depicts hardship and the ties that can form in neighborhoods when faced with a dislike stronger than the one they have for one another.
January 8, 2010
Awards Won: Caldecott Medal (1995), American Library Assocation (ALA) Notable Book
Age Level: 4-8
Smoky Night is a very thought provoking book that depicts many difficult issues. There are many hardships discusssed throughout the book including racisim, rioting, loss of a home, and the loss of loved ones. Though the story has a happy ending, I would not recommend the book for students under the age of 8. The illustrations are very unique watercolor pictures that give the reader a sense of being in the story.
Smoky Night is the winner of the Caldecott Medal, which is given annually to an author with the most distinguished picture book for children. In order to qualify for a Caldecott Medal, books must have a rich story that is complimented by illustrations that not only enhance the writing, but provide their own "story" as well. Smoky Night absolutely qualifies to be a Caldecott winner, as the story provides a rich interpretation of historical Los Angeles riots.
Age Level: 4-8
Smoky Night is a very thought provoking book that depicts many difficult issues. There are many hardships discusssed throughout the book including racisim, rioting, loss of a home, and the loss of loved ones. Though the story has a happy ending, I would not recommend the book for students under the age of 8. The illustrations are very unique watercolor pictures that give the reader a sense of being in the story.
Smoky Night is the winner of the Caldecott Medal, which is given annually to an author with the most distinguished picture book for children. In order to qualify for a Caldecott Medal, books must have a rich story that is complimented by illustrations that not only enhance the writing, but provide their own "story" as well. Smoky Night absolutely qualifies to be a Caldecott winner, as the story provides a rich interpretation of historical Los Angeles riots.
October 25, 2009
The visual elements of "Smoky Night" are a feast for the senses. Eve Bunting's tactile collages incorporating materials mentioned in the descriptions of the riots (cardboard and bubble wrap from appliance boxes, cereal from the grocery store, hangers and plastic bags from the dry cleaners) add a sense of reality and immediacy. The illustrations of people remind me of stained glass with the use of heavy black lines outlining the figures and some parts bright, others shadowed as if light were filtering through in places or flickering like fire. The simple yet stunning observation by Daniel that his cat and Mrs. Kim's cat, who were previously at odds but survived the fire together, "probably didn't know each other before" but are friends now that they do is an insight that is a catalyst for change for his neighborhood (his mother reaches out to Mrs. Kim) and an invitation for the rest of society.
September 26, 2009
I had never heard of this book, but it caught my eye at the library. It tells the story of Daniel, a young boy living in the middle of the Los Angles riots. This very adult issue is told through the eyes of a child. The cover features an abstract-like picture of Daniel holding a cat, imposed over what appears to be gravel. The illustations throughout the story mirror this format. All of the illustrations are abstract like and only use deep, bright colors and scenes. Depending on the action of the page, the frame of the page echoes the scene somehow in realistic collages; for example, when the supermarket is looted, the background is cereal. The story covers rioting, human morality, and race relations in way that is appropirate for young readers. It might tie in nicely with a social justice or current civil rights unit.
January 10, 2012
Absolutely horrible book. It was the winner of the Caldecott Medal and my kids picked it off the display shelf, so I said sure. Turns out to be about a child who experienced the violence of inner-city rioting. Windows being smashed, apartments being burned down . . . My kids were getting scared. I understand these things happen and people should be aware, but I'm thinking a kid young enough to want a picture book with few words is too young to be exposed to this kind of ugliness if they don't have to be.
January 30, 2012
This story is about a boy named Daniel and the events of the night a riot happened on his street. This book would be good for first or second graders as a read on your own book. The words are easy to read and are in a style that is easy to recognize letters.
The illustrations are both a painting on the opposite side of the text and a collage around the text, both depicting what is going on in the text. The style of the painting reminds me of some of Picasso paintings.
The illustrations are both a painting on the opposite side of the text and a collage around the text, both depicting what is going on in the text. The style of the painting reminds me of some of Picasso paintings.
January 27, 2011
I found this short picture book to be a fascinating teaching tool for children. I grew up in Southern California during the Rodney King Riots and would have been able to understand a little more about events with a book like this. I also want to note that the pictures are like nothing I have ever seen before. I like the photograph quality on the left hand side of each page.
November 24, 2014
This is an intense book for little ones but it helps show that humanity can shine through the darkest places, and the importance of pets to their caretakers in the midst of tragedy and crisis.
August 9, 2018
This book is a lot more intense than I was expecting. The conflict is so well done. Great read on a sensitive topic.
March 19, 2025
This picture book tackles the issue of a riot with sensitivity and clarity, showing how the crisis helped to bring neighbors together. The little boy's POV is completely convincing throughout, the text is well-written and evocative, and the illustrations are unforgettable. They're not my style, and I don't love the way that faces look, but the colors and shapes are very vivid, set against found-item and textured backdrops. I can definitely see why this won a Caldecott Honor, and am thankful that I discovered this while my library still has a few copies left. [Good news, they ordered more a few years after I wrote this review.]
The one thing that I would critique about this book is that it doesn't have an author's note. When the book came out in the 1990s, people knew about the LA riots and had seen them on the news, but many young adults and children now would know nothing about them. This book can generalize to other riot experiences, and made me think of summer 2020, but because it is grounded in a specific time and place, some historical information at the end would have been beneficial.
The one thing that I would critique about this book is that it doesn't have an author's note. When the book came out in the 1990s, people knew about the LA riots and had seen them on the news, but many young adults and children now would know nothing about them. This book can generalize to other riot experiences, and made me think of summer 2020, but because it is grounded in a specific time and place, some historical information at the end would have been beneficial.
November 2, 2016
1. Book Summary in your own words
Smoky Night is about a group of people who live in the same building. They could not get along, not even their cats. But then a riot does the strangest thing—brings them together under one roof again at a shelter. And their cats get along as well.
2. Grade level, interest level, lexile
Grades: PreK-3
3. Appropriate classroom use (subject area)
Culture and Diversity, Life Experiences, Communities
4. Individual students who might benefit from reading
Students who may have difficulty understanding that even though people are different, they can still do things together.
5. Small group use (literature circles)
In small groups, students will talk about a specific group, culture, of people.
6. Whole class use (read aloud)
As a whole class, we will bring our groups together and see what they can do together instead of individually.
7. Related books in genre/subject or content area
Black and White by David Macaulay
8. Multimedia connections (audio book, movie) available
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fD0RF...
Smoky Night is about a group of people who live in the same building. They could not get along, not even their cats. But then a riot does the strangest thing—brings them together under one roof again at a shelter. And their cats get along as well.
2. Grade level, interest level, lexile
Grades: PreK-3
3. Appropriate classroom use (subject area)
Culture and Diversity, Life Experiences, Communities
4. Individual students who might benefit from reading
Students who may have difficulty understanding that even though people are different, they can still do things together.
5. Small group use (literature circles)
In small groups, students will talk about a specific group, culture, of people.
6. Whole class use (read aloud)
As a whole class, we will bring our groups together and see what they can do together instead of individually.
7. Related books in genre/subject or content area
Black and White by David Macaulay
8. Multimedia connections (audio book, movie) available
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fD0RF...
October 22, 2017
Watching news coverage of the Los Angeles riots, Eve Bunting wondered how children perceive such events, especially those who actually live through them. In this picture book she focuses on Daniel and his mother, as well as his cat, Jasmine. His mother explains calmly that these people are angry and doing wrong things, like stealing and breaking windows, but tries to reassure him that he is safe inside. Still when a fire breaks out they must flee, and Daniel is worried about Jasmine.
I like that Bunting gave a sense of the chaos and the fear and anxiety that both children and adults felt, but that she also allowed for safety and compassion and understanding. It’s a lesson in recognizing our common bonds as humans, rather than our exterior differences.
David Diaz does a marvelous job illustrating the book. He created collages of materials, including cardboard, wallpaper, tissues, shoe heels, against which he placed his acrylic drawings. The result is vivid and graphic. His artistry won the Caldecott Medal.
I like that Bunting gave a sense of the chaos and the fear and anxiety that both children and adults felt, but that she also allowed for safety and compassion and understanding. It’s a lesson in recognizing our common bonds as humans, rather than our exterior differences.
David Diaz does a marvelous job illustrating the book. He created collages of materials, including cardboard, wallpaper, tissues, shoe heels, against which he placed his acrylic drawings. The result is vivid and graphic. His artistry won the Caldecott Medal.
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