About the Holiday

Animals and humans coexist on Earth in so many amazing ways. Our pets are beloved family members, we interact and care for the birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and other backyard animals that we see every day, and we are mindful of and should be caretakers of the wild animals that inhabit the plains, mountains, and seas of our planet. Human-Animal Relationship Awareness Week was established by the Animals & Society Institute, which “helps improve and expand knowledge about human-animal relationships in order to create safer and more compassionate communities for all.” Over this week people are encouraged to think about companion animals, assistance animals, animals in shelters, and the safety and well-being of the animals in our care. To celebrate, spend more time with your pet and consider donating to your local animal shelter or wildlife organization. To read more about their work and their future, visit the Animals & Society Institute’s website.

Thank you to Rise x Penguin Workshop/Penguin Random House for sharing a copy of this book for review! All opinions are my own.

A Sound in the Night

By María Coco

A dog snoozes in his favorite chair, his tennis ball passing the time nearby. An ear perks up, and then an eye opens to see his human stuffing a backpack. He rushes to the door, his tale thumps while he holds his tennis ball in his teeth. Soon they’re on the road passing cotton candy trees, the wind riffling the dog’s ears. His companion smiles as she drives.

Text and Illustration © 2025 María Coco. Courtesy of Rise x Penguin Workshop.

When they reach the campsite, they play fetch, swim, fly a kite, and finally set up their tent. In the light of a small campfire, they enjoy s’mores and watch a shooting star. Then it’s time for a book and bed. Sometime during the night, the two are awakened by a “CRACK.” And another, closer. And another, LOUDER.

Text and Illustration © 2025 María Coco. Courtesy of Rise x Penguin Workshop.

The human hides in the sleeping bag. The dog perches on top. The cracking continues while outside a long shadow appears. Soon, curiosity takes over, and the pair peek through the tent flap. Courageously, they walk out into the darkness and take a few steps toward the shadowy shape. In the cone of light from the flashlight they discover . . . a cat. 

Text and Illustration © 2025 María Coco. Courtesy of Rise x Penguin Workshop.

The cat happily accepts their pats and licks then joins them for breakfast and hiking the next day. The cat and the dog are sad to part as the human breaks down the tent and ties the bundle atop the car. Back on the road again, the little car passes by the cotton candy trees, the wind riffling the dog’s ears. But is that an extra tail we see through the window? Clever clues in the next few pages build excitement for the sweet and happy new family member reveal.

Text and Illustration © 2025 María Coco. Courtesy of Rise x Penguin Workshop.

María Coco’s nearly wordless story is as delightful as it is inviting. Coco’s simple line drawings, shapes, and whimsical touches on clean white or midnight-blue pages allow children’s imaginations free roam to lend details from their own experiences to this suspenseful friendship-building campout. Sweet, companionable smiles and even the shared terror between this pair show their devotion to each other as well as their willingness to include a surprise newcomer. Coco’s distinctive limited-color risograph-printed illustrations enchant with neon pink, yellow, and orange highlights and a touch of purple waiting to be discovered.

A charming choice for quiet reading or to invite imaginative participation, A Sound in the Night would make a perfect gift for any book or pet lover and is a must for library collections.

Ages 2 – 6+

Rise x Penguin Workshop, 2025 | ISBN 978-0593890608

María Coco is a children’s book author and illustrator from the north of Mexico. Although she graduated with a degree in graphic design and worked as a web designer for many years in Mexico City, New York, Santiago de Chile, and elsewhere, in 2017 she followed her heart and moved to England to focus on what she loves the most. In 2019 she graduated with distinction from the MA program in children’s book illustration at Cambridge School of Art. María likes using limited colors for her bold characters and compositions and enjoys the handmade textures and unexpected results of traditional techniques such as screen-printing. Her stories are perfectly paced page-turners. Her main sources of inspiration come from nature, music, and cycling around the world. When she’s not in her studio, she may be hiding in the forest in the company of her husband, daughter, and rescue dog. Visit her at maria-coco.com.

Human-Animal Relationship Week Activity

Find a Friend Matching Puzzle

Each of these humans and animals have a friend or friends. Can you pick up on the clues to match the pairs?

Find a Friend Matching Puzzle with Border | Find a Friend Matching Puzzle with No Border

You can purchase A Sound in the Night from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review