Smoky Night by Eve Bunting; illustrated by David Diaz is a 1995 Caldecott Medal Winner.
Exposition: Mama, Daniel and Jasmine, his cat, experience the fears and concerns during a night that rioting, looting and fires are taking place.
Conflict: People rioting, stealing and setting fires.
Rising Action: The looting, rioting and setting fires continues as mama and her son lay down with their clothes on and shoes close by.
Climax: The apartment is set on fire and everyone must evacuate and go to a shelter.
Falling Action: The young boy is worried about the survival of his cat, Jasmine as many people help comfort and care for the evacuees.
Resolution: A fire fighter appears carrying Jasmine and another cat that generally fights with Jasmine. Both cats are scared, but they hopped down and share a bowl of milk. Everyone in the shelter introduces themselves.
This is a well-illustrated book. The colors and illustrations convey the smokiness of the night in addition to the hostility and confusion. Brighter colors demonstrate the joy and relief of the cats return and neighbors introducing themselves to each other and forming a community amidst the chaos of the night.
Bunting, E. (1994). Smoky Night. Orlando: Harcourt, Inc.
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