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4.17 AVERAGE
4.17 AVERAGE
So, I was looking for books that would be good for discussions about character feelings and connections, and this seemed like a good fit. I mean, I’m still terrified to go into the basement of my childhood home because it’s so dark. This is slightly creepy, but it turns out the dark is a nice, helpful presence. I did take off a star for what I thought was a bit of a rambling page where the narrator talks to you about how useful and wonderful the dark is....it seemed long-winded.
This turns out to be a great book for anyone scared of the dark. I really enjoy the imagination of Mr. Snicket.
I just love Klassen's art and it fits so well with this very well told story.
Kept having to remind myself that this is a children's book and couldn't be THAT scary. But it still freaked me out. "You might be afraid of the dark, but the dark is not afraid of you." And The Dark will also apparently lure you to the basement. Yikes.
I was at the store when this book caught my eye, so I gave it a quick read.
We'll just start with the good - the artwork. The illustrations in this bedtime book are wonderful. I loved the artist's work. That's where the good ends.
As for the story... the dark is alive. Yeah, the dark is a living thing that can talk to you. That's creepy! Is this supposed to help a child not fear the dark? No, no I don't see it helping. Even at the end the little boy uses a nightlight to go to sleep. I would do the same thing if the dark was a giant creeper that talked me into going into the basement. I would leave all the lights on so the dark couldn't get to me!
I really don't see this book helping a child go to sleep.
We'll just start with the good - the artwork. The illustrations in this bedtime book are wonderful. I loved the artist's work. That's where the good ends.
As for the story... the dark is alive. Yeah, the dark is a living thing that can talk to you. That's creepy! Is this supposed to help a child not fear the dark? No, no I don't see it helping. Even at the end the little boy uses a nightlight to go to sleep. I would do the same thing if the dark was a giant creeper that talked me into going into the basement. I would leave all the lights on so the dark couldn't get to me!
I really don't see this book helping a child go to sleep.
I adored this book, and I went to buy the audio version with Neil Gaiman. I'm going to have HIM read it to my students!
Also - is it just me or did anyone else have Doctor Who flashbacks as they read it? (Vashta Nerada)
Also - is it just me or did anyone else have Doctor Who flashbacks as they read it? (Vashta Nerada)
A well-told story that is a little too eerie and sophisticated to be much use to actual children who are afraid of the dark. Probably a better read for someone who's outgrown that fear and likes spooky stories.