Kearney’s The Night the Garden Glowed is a charming and heartfelt picture book about change, loneliness, empathy, and the unexpected ways we can find friendship.

Young Wilbur’s family is moving into a new home, and he isn’t particularly happy about it. Leaving behind his friends and everything familiar is difficult, and his new surroundings don’t yet feel like home. But while helping his family unpack, Wilbur notices a mysterious glow coming from the garden outside his window.

Venturing into the garden that night to investigate, Wilbur discovers an unexpected animal friend near the pond. He brings it inside, setting up a habitat for it. But the wee critter’s glow soon begins to fade, and Wilbur realizes that it’s just as sad as he is to be separated from its friends. Recognizing something of his own loneliness in the little creature, Wilbur decides to help. That night, Wilbur returns the little creature to the garden—and, to his surprise, discovers a girl his own age already there. She’s his new neighbor and, quite possibly, a new friend!

I’ll admit, when I saw the glowing garden, I was convinced this story was going to involve fireflies, with Wilbur meeting a new friend while chasing them through the garden. I adore fireflies. This is not a story about fireflies 😅. Wilbur does make a friend, though. Two, by his reasoning.

The Night the Garden Glowed is a lovely exploration of the uncertainty that comes with change, particularly for children facing a move or other unfamiliar circumstances. I especially appreciated the way Wilbur’s own sadness helps him recognize the same feelings in another creature. His empathy ultimately leads him beyond his own loneliness and toward connection, giving the story a gentle message about looking beyond ourselves and considering the needs of others.

The charming artwork complements the story beautifully, creating a warm, slightly magical atmosphere that makes Wilbur’s nighttime adventure all the more inviting. Sweet, thoughtful, and reassuring, The Night the Garden Glowed would make an excellent choice for classroom reading, particularly when discussing change, empathy, and friendship. It would also be a delightful addition to a home library.

Highly recommended.

***Many thanks to Netgalley & DK Children for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.