The Chestnut Challenge: The Nocturnals Grow & Read Early Reader, Level 3 - Hardcover

Tracey Hecht has written, directed, and produced for film. The American Booksellers Association chose the first book in her critically acclaimed middle grade series, The Nocturnals: The Mysterious Abductions, as a Kids’ Indie Next List pick. This year, her Grow & Read early reader book, The Chestnut Challenge, was given a Mom’s Choice Gold Award.  In partnership with the New York Public Library, Tracey created a Read Aloud Writing Program that she has since conducted—both in person and virtually—in over 100 schools, libraries, and bookstores across the country. Tracey currently splits her time between New York City and Oquossoc, Maine, with her husband, four children, and dog, Penny.

Josie Yee is an award winning illustrator specializing in children's books. She lives in New York City with her daughter, Ana, and their cat, Dude.

Reviews for The Chestnut Challenge

“Fans of the series will find colorful illustrations interspersed with text to help young independent readers follow the story...the theme of an honest game will likely resonate with this intended audience.” —School Library Journal

“Young readers ages 6-8 will delight in this entertaining animal adventure while learning about the themes of playing games for fun and displaying good sportsmanship...especially and unreservedly recommended for family, elementary school, and community library collections.” —Midwest Book Review

“In today’s super-charged world of competition at all levels, Hecht’s reminder that good sportsmanship wins out is welcome, and Tobin, Bismark, and Dawn, with their various personalities, generously offering to give Chandler a second chance, make good companions as developing readers increase their skills while learning to play fair and for fun.” —Celebrate Picture Books

"This is such a fun Early Reader book that is not just entertaining to read, it also teaches the moral lesson of fair play. I believe parents/grandparents will enjoy reading this book to their little ones. Younger readers will love all the Nocturnals books, this is another fun-to-read story in this collection and a great bedtime book." —Story Monsters

"I’m a dedicated fan of this series. Tracey Hecht has a way of reaching kids by using adorable animals with distinctive personalities to get to the heart of real-life situations kids find themselves coping with, and how to start discussions about those situations." —Mom Read It Book Blog

Praise for The Nocturnals Grow & Read Series

“This banter-filled early reader describes the initial meeting between shy Tobin the pangolin, brash Bismark the sugar glider, and kindhearted Dawn the fox...the pared-down narration and dialogue quickly establish their personalities...Hecht and Dowling successfully set the stage for more adventurous outings down the road.” —Publishers Weekly

“Physical characteristics, personality quirks, and the beginnings of their mutual trust and friendship are aptly portrayed through both words and pictures. A few ‘Nocturnals Fun Facts’ at the end should help with any factual queries. Whether listening, reading along, or launching individual attempts, satisfied readers will be ready and waiting for the next installment.” —Booklist

“This beginning reader does a good job of addressing the idea of being afraid and being brave...The illustrations have a charming folk art-like quality that may appeal to fans of animal picture books. Because the events all take place at night, the palette is an unusual teal-based one that is quite attractive.”—YA Books Central