While on my honeymoon on Martha’s Vineyard a couple of months ago, I stopped by Midnight Farm in Vineyard Haven. I love this store because it has gorgeous clothing, furniture and various other goodies. I also try to go there every time I’m on the Island to try and catch a glimpse of the proprietor, Carly Simon. So far, no luck. But some of my relatives have spotted her! I have had the pleasure of hearing her sing in Oak Bluffs with her son Ben, which was amazing.
I was hoping to purchase a copy of her picture book, also titled Midnight Farm, but was told it is actually out of print! I was a little surprised by this, seeing as Carly is …. well, famous. So I ordered a copy through inter library loan (aren’t libraries amazing?) as I apparently do not have a copy in my own children’s collection. I had read the book years ago and couldn’t really remember it. The book is written in verse (by Carly, obviously) and is illustrated by David Delamare. It was published in 1997 by Simon and Schuster.

It’s not something I would read in story time, as the text is very long, but it could definitely be a good bedtime story. In the book, twin boys (Carly’s godsons Jules & Noah) wake up in the middle of the night to find all the animals, and even plants, dancing and generally having a good time on their Martha’s Vineyard farm. If animals dressed as humans freak you out, I’d skip this one, but if you don’t mind, then you will love the beautiful paintings that accompany the words. The story is whimsical and magical and makes me think of summer and the outdoors, and wondering about that secret life that animals have when humans aren’t looking. Plus, my life-long dream is to live on a farm on Martha’s Vineyard that overlooks the ocean, so this book takes me to that place without spending millions (seriously).
I can’t say exactly why this is out of print, though the length may have something to do with it. Carly also has some other children’s books, all of which appear to be out of print as well. Even Potluck at Midnight Farmis out of print! Great recipes! (Luckily my mom has this book.)

I was told by a source at Midnight Farm (the store, not the farm and a human, not an animal dressed as a human) that Carly is currently working on another children’s book, so maybe we’ll see it soon! And I think she should send me an advance review copy, but that’s just me.