Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark

Night Magic – A Lyrical Journey Through Nature After Dark

From New York Times–bestselling nature writer Leigh Ann Henion comes a luminous celebration of what happens outside after sunset — from blooming moon gardens to nocturnal salamanders, glowing foxfire, and fireflies that flash in perfect unison like an orchestra of light.

In Night Magic, Henion invites readers to step out of the glare of artificial light and rediscover the beauty of darkness. Traveling through her home region of Appalachia, she joins a synchronous firefly event in Tennessee, a bat walk in Alabama, a moth festival in Ohio, and explores bioluminescent mushrooms and migratory salamanders in the forests of North Carolina.

Along the way, she meets naturalists, biologists, and night explorers who reveal how much wonder we overlook when the sun sets. Through poetic storytelling and vivid observation, Henion reminds us that awe doesn’t only exist in distant galaxies — it glows all around us, right here on Earth.

Perfect for readers of World of Wonders, The Hidden Life of Trees, and Entangled Life, this book is both an ode to biodiversity after dark and a call to reconnect with the rhythms of the natural world.

Why ODSS Recommends It:

• A stunning blend of science, poetry, and exploration

• Explores the hidden biodiversity and beauty of night

• Perfect for readers who love nature writing and environmental wonder

• Illuminates fireflies, bats, owls, mushrooms, and other nocturnal life

• A thoughtful gift for naturalists, readers, and outdoor enthusiasts