Description
From School Library Journal K-Gr 2—Young Orion likes to doodle, and his notebook records his scary personal world—big dogs, wasps, girls, the ocean, spiders, heights, storms, and…THE DARK. He's listed many ways to solve his fear of the dark, from amazing inventions to capturing the sun, but at the end of each day, "it's bedtime again." One frustrating evening his nemesis returns in a personal visit. A surprising physical hand pops out as a page extension of the immense Dark greeting young Orion with an invitation to adventure. Orion then begins a time of exploration, understanding, and even enjoyment through visits to the magical shadows of his surroundings while he makes a discovery—"The Dark could be my friend. And nobody (not even me) is scared of their best friend." Digital cartoon illustrations with whimsical pencil doodles (including Orion in his bunny slippers) offer a wide range of fonts and humorous scribbled comments on a child's world. While the small-font doodles might not make this an easy read-aloud, a variety of text in illustrations, speech bubbles, Orion's notebook, and first-person narration create an intimate environment for an inquisitive individual reader with an interest in science and fantasy. VERDICT Strong support for those with unspoken fears, this book is a recommended first purchase for all libraries.—Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX Reminiscent of Oliver Jeffers, Yarlett’s illustrations are a joyful mix of digital collage, sketchbook, and saturated watercolor done in a palette of blueberry and Starburst candies. Many pictures invite close inspection, adding quirky details that fill out the story. Orion’s adventures replace fear with fun, ending with a hug, a new friend, and a well- traveled pair of bunny slippers. Only sweet dreams ahead with this one.—Booklist (starred review)The mixed-media artwork is engaging and expressive.... A funny, savvy bedtime story that addresses common fears.—Kirkus ReviewsThe varied images are gorgeous to look at, and they will leave readers feeling fortunate to have witnessed these two protagonists' starry-eyed mutual affection.—Publishers WeeklyNight-shy children will find companionship in Orion and comfort the Dark's gentle, friendly appearance, while grown-up readers will invent excuses to keep this book on their own shelves.—BookPageWith detailed illustrations that pop off every page, this story is a wonderful exploration of how sometimes the things we fear the most are just things we don't understand—Shelf AwarenessStrong support for those with unspoken fears, this book is a recommended first purchase for all libraries.—School Library Journal Emma Yarlett graduated from University College Falmouth in 2011 and since has been very busy with writing and illustrating. She lives in England. Read more
Features & Highlights
- Orion is very scared of the dark—until Dark decides to pay him a visit!
- Orion is scared of a lot of things, but most of all he’s scared of the dark. So one night the Dark decides to take Orion on an adventure. Emma Yarlett’s second picture book combines her incredible storytelling and artwork with die-cut pages that bring the Dark to life.
