A timeless tale about the joy of learning to read
One quiet library. Two curious twins. A century-old book and one very lost little bear...
It’s almost the night before Halloween, and twins Kat and Ollie are in for a big surprise at the library. Under a full moon and shooting stars, they discover a little bear who’s fallen out of his book after being tucked away for over 100 years! There’s just one problem—he doesn’t know how to read!
Luckily, Kat and Ollie know just the thing. They whisk him away to their cozy farmhouse, where they dive into forgotten letters, daring adventures, and a crash course in the ABCs.
Kim P. Chesney's debut children's book, A Mysterious Night at the Library, is a delightful tale of friendship, the magic of books, and the joy of learning—perfect for families of all ages to enjoy together (and maybe even learn a thing or two)!
Amazon Best Selling Book: #7 in Classic Children's Literature.
"I think anything is possible tonight."
Meet the Author
Kim Painter Chesney is on a mission to inspire a love of reading and create lasting connections between generations through the magic of storytelling. With each page of Mysterious Night in the Library, Kim brings families together, celebrating literacy, imagination, and the joy of shared discovery.
Rooted in her passion for childhood literacy and her artistry, Kim’s work invites readers of all ages to explore, dream, and bond over timeless stories that ignite hearts and minds.
Stories & Reviews
From our Readers
[A Mysterious Night at the Library] is a spellbinding tale that transports readers back in time, while still teaching an important lesson that resonates with us in the modern age. An excellent choice for a class read-aloud or a bedtime story, this heartwarming book encourages a love for libraries, reading and expanding our horizons — setting children on the path for a lifelong love of learning.
I picked this book up for my niece, and we both ended up loving it! The story is full of warmth and imagination. Kat and Ollie's excitement for reading is contagious for the kids. It's a wonderful way to teach them about the magic of books and the value of helping others. A perfect read for Halloween or any cozy night.
-Barbara K.
I absolutely loved reading this with my son! The mix of mystery, friendship, and the joy of learning made it such a special book. The little bear’s journey to discover reading felt so pure and inspiring. It’s rare to find a children’s story that feels both magical and genuinely heartfelt. We’ll definitely be adding this to our permanent collection.
-Jeannie
This book was an absolute delight to read with my kids... The story captures the magic of books and the joy of learning in a way that really engaged my children. They loved the idea of a bear who doesn't know how to read and the twins teaching him the ABCs. The illustrations are beautiful and added so much charm to the story. Highly recommend this for bedtime reading with your littles!
-K. James
This book reminded me of the magic I felt as a child when discovering new stories. Kat and Ollie’s enthusiasm for reading is contagious, and the little bear’s journey to learn was so sweet. It’s a wonderful way to show kids that reading is fun and opens up new worlds. The story is engaging and perfect for young readers. A fantastic book for sparking a love for books.
-Verified Amazon Review
This book was such a fun Halloween read without being scary. The adventure in the library under the full moon added a touch of mystery, but it was all lighthearted and engaging. My kids loved the idea of a bear falling out of a book and learning to read. The story kept their attention, and they even wanted to practice their ABCs afterward. A perfect story for the spooky season!
-Verified Amazon Review
About
Kim Painter Chesney
Kim is a passionate advocate for childhood literacy and a fine artist known for her work in encaustics, a painting method that uses hot wax to create vibrant, layered pieces. You can see her work here.
With a lifelong love of reading, Kim has always believed in the power of books to bring people together, and at 70, she set out to create her own literary masterpiece for children and families alike.
A Mysterious Night at the Library is more than a story—it’s a joyful celebration of imagination, learning, and connection, crafted to be shared across generations. Kim’s dream is for readers of all ages to gather, explore, and bond over the magic of reading, just as she did growing up with her six siblings in a tiny home filled with books and big dreams.
The Importance of Childhood Literacy
Did you know?
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Vocabulary Growth: Reading to your child daily exposes them to approximately 1.4 million more words by kindergarten compared to those not read to regularly. (Ferst Readers)
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Academic Achievement: Children who are read to frequently are more likely to count to 20 or higher, write their own names, and read or pretend to read. (Ferst Readers)
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Cognitive Development: Regular reading enhances brain activity, fostering better language skills and cognitive development. (Greater Good Science Center)
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Mental Health Benefits: Children with better literacy skills tend to have higher self-esteem and lower levels of anxiety. (Bedrock Learning)
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Long Term Success: Early literacy skills are strong predictors of later academic success and can influence future employment opportunities. (Literacy Project)
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Giving Back to Inspire a Love of Reading
A portion of every purchase of Mysterious Night in the Library supports Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program dedicated to gifting free books to children from birth to age five.
Through Dolly’s vision and local community partners, children in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland receive books to spark their love of reading. Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the magic of books and stories.
By supporting The Mysterious Night in the Library, you’re helping to make literacy more accessible for children everywhere.
