Review: The Midnight Chew by Sally Morgan

 The Midnight Chew is a rollicking tale about the kindness of sharing when there is more than enough for one.

"On a cold and blustery winter's night Skippy Gillespie crept out for a bite...."

illustrated by Karen Blair

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: October 2025

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: $24.99AU (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Join Skippy Gillespie and Boofa Boy Jones in this lively tale filled with humour, action and adventure.

Skippy sneaks out at night to find the bone he has buried at the local dump. He's been saving this bone for a late-night chew. He doesn't know that Boofa Boy is following him and he is bigger and stronger than Skippy. Boofa steals the bone and runs. What ensues is a race through the night but once back Boofa feels bad for stealing Skippy's bone and gives it back. In an act of kindness Skippy offers to share the bone. There is plenty for two.

Many children will relate to the plight of poor Skippy saving something precious only to have a bigger, stronger child take it. However this action-packed tale comes with a happy ending for everyone.

I loved the dark illustrations by Karen Blair. They perfectly portray the night time atmosphere with the street lights spotlighting small areas and the cats and rats out in the street watching the antics of the two dogs. There are so many small things, little gems on each page that you may not notice on a first reading. The frog in the pond and the little black cat who follows the dogs to the dump and all the way back. These little treasures add an extra dimension to this happy tale of enemies to friends, and the joy of sharing.

The Midnight Chew will have young children entranced as they wait to find out who will win the bone.

The fun rhyming prose roll off the tongue with ease which keeps the story moving along at a fast pace.

Award-winning First Nations author Sally Morgan and CBCA award-winning illustrator Karen Blair have created a playful, rhyming adventure that’s perfect for younger readers who love dogs.

For readers of Lynley Dodd and Julia Donaldson.

My rating 5 / 5 🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕

Recommended age: 3 - 8 years 

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