1. Bravery
2. Courage
3. Helpfulness
4. Missing children
5. Nocturnal animals
6. Possums

Hearing possums scrabbling in the roof as darkness falls is a common Australian experience. Morgan transports the reader into the heart of these nocturnal escapades, when the midnight possum comes across a mother possum who has lost her baby, and bravely undertakes a daring mission to rescue the baby from inside a chimney.

This picture book introduces young people to themes of courage and helping others in need. Young readers will delight in pointing out the familiar native animals that nestle amongst the pages. Questions that may arise from the reading of this picture book include: What do possums eat? Where do they live? What are some of the threats to our animals, and how can we help protect them? These questions will empower young children to investigate the ways in which they can make a difference. The lyrical language of the text takes us on a midnight journey across rooftops and ‘swaying treetops,’ while the cool blues and greens of the digital collage illustrations appear textured on the page and convey the beauty of Australia’s natural environment. Astute readers may observe the detail of the patterned wallpaper inside the house and the red gum flowers on the end pages, a nod to Australia’s native flora. The author belongs to the Palyku people from the eastern Pilbara region of Western Australia.

1. The Little Big Book Club. 'Ringtail Possum Activity Sheet.' http://www.thelittlebigbookclub.com.au/sites/thelittlebigbookclub.com.au/files/files/title_resource/silly_galah_activity_time_no_2.pdf
2. The Craft Train. 'Paper Plate Ringtail Possum.' https://www.thecrafttrain.com/paper-plate-ringtail-possum/
3. Brisbane Kids. 'Fun Possum Facts for Kids.' https://www.brisbanekids.com.au/fun-possum-facts-kids/
4. Kidcyber. 'Possums.' https://www.kidcyber.com.au/possums
5. Aussie Reviews Claire Saxby reviews 'The Midnight Possum' by Sally Morgan http://aussiereviews.com/2016/06/midnight-possum-by-sally-morgan-ill-jess-racklyeft/
6. Possums at Night video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIcAHEx-EU8