Category: Children's Picture Book
Hardcover | 40 pages | 979-8-90115-025-2
Trim Size: 8.5” H x 10.3” W
Publication Date: May 5th, 2026
List Price: $18.99 USD
Publisher: Starfish Bay® Publishing
Genre: Humorous Fiction / Fairy Tale Retelling
Reading Level: Grade 3-4
Interest Level: Grades PreK-5
Guided Reading Level: O
Lexile® Measure: 640L
Accelerated Reader® Level/Poin: 3.8/0.5
A lonely squirrel discovers that stories shine more brightly when shared with others.
Rocco lives alone in a towering library by the sea, where books are his only friends. Each night, his stories come to life, transporting Rocco on incredible adventures—until a gentle dragon arrives and asks him to share a tale. But when the words in his precious books start to fade, Rocco discovers that stories are more magical when shared. Rocco and the Midnight Library is an enchanting and exquisitely illustrated tale that celebrates friendship and the bonds formed through storytelling and words.
Bethea Donoghue is an author, teacher, and mom who lives by beautiful Port Phillip Bay in Melbourne with her husband, two boys, and tabby cat. Inspired by nature and the innate wisdom of children, Bethea writes heartfelt stories for little people with big questions. Bethea can often be found at the beach, on a yoga mat, or searching for lost Lego pieces.
Caterina Angeloni was born in Rome, Italy, in 1979. She grew up devouring stories and drawing her favorite characters on every available surface — and still does! Caterina uses analogue and digital techniques but has a special love for watercolors and colored pencils. She now lives by the sea with her little girl near Barcelona, Spain.
Key Features:
- A touching and imaginative tale that highlights the power of storytelling and the connections we share with others.
- Encourages empathy, generosity, and creativity.
- Richly illustrated illustrations that invoke a dreamy, magical atmosphere.
Themes:
- Loneliness and isolation
- The power of sharing and generosity
- Friendship and connection
- Overcoming fear and selfishness
- Stories gain meaning when shared
- Opening your heart to others
- Transformation through giving
- Community and belonging









