Books of Wonder

Ancient Night

Ancient Night - Main image
$13.67 $18.99 In stock

Category: Signed Books

*Signed Bookplates!*

At the start of things, the elders say,
the universe was hushed and still.
The moon alone shone bright and round
in the star-speckled dark of the sky.


David Álvarez is one of the most extraordinary artists working today. His black-and-white illustrations have gained fame in his home country of Mexico and around the world.

Here, in Ancient Night (Noche Antigua), David displays his immense talent with full-color illustrations for the first time.

Ancient Night is a twist on two Nahuatl traditions: the rabbit which the Feathered Serpent placed on the moon, and Yaushu, the Lord Opossum who ruled the earth before humans came, and who stole fire from the gods to create the sun.

Award-winning author David Bowles has written a poetic text – and carefully researched backmatter – to accompany David’s lush illustrations and story. The book will be published simultaneously in English and Spanish editions, giving young readers everywhere the chance to savor this ancient tale in its most beautiful format possible.
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Customer Reviews (4.6 / 5 · 5 reviews)

Christopher ★★★★★

The signed bookplate was the reason I grabbed this, and it’s even nicer in person—crisp ink on thick paper. The story’s rhythm feels like a bedtime lullaby, and the moonlit pages have a quiet magic that makes me want to read it twice.

Lily X. ★★★★★

The signed bookplate on the inside cover makes it feel like a keepsake rather than just another picture book. My niece has been asking for the same story every night since it arrived, and the moon-alone-in-the-sky opening genuinely calms her down before bed.

Adam P. ★★★★★

The signed bookplate inside the cover makes this feel like a real keepsake rather than just another picture book. My kids ask for it every night now, and the moon illustrations against that dark sky are genuinely gorgeous.