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The Dark

CILIP Kate Greenaway Children's Book Award, 2014

ebook / ISBN-13: 9781408331170

Price: £7.99

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A universal and empowering story about conquering your fears, from Lemony Snicket and Jon Klassen.

Laszlo is afraid of the dark. The dark lives in the same house as Laszlo but mostly it spends its time in the basement. It doesn’t visit Laszlo in his room. Until one night it does . . . Join Lazlo on his journey to meet the dark, and find out why it will never bother him again.

With emotional insight and poetic economy, two world-renowned talents of children’s literature bring to light a powerful story about overcoming fears.

The originality of The Dark is breathtaking – The Times

A reassuring story for any children who may be afraid of the dark – Sunday Express

If ever there was a perfect creative pairing of words and pictures, surely this is it – Daily Mail

Thoughtful, perceptive and very reassuring – Parents In Touch

What's Inside

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Reviews

The beauty and the power of this book is in the design, the precision of the drawing, the angles created in the turn of the staircase, the unrelenting fathomless dark, and the fearful symmetry of the shapes.
Books for Keeps
Brilliant.
Little Fiction Fascination
Setting the picture book world alight with quirky and evocative style.
tBk Mag
Lemony Snicket plays masterfully with the picture book genre in The Dark. Jon Klassen's Seventies-style illustrations are a perfect match for Snicket's wit and virtuosity.
The Daily Telegraph
"Definitely keep this one handy for little ones - and grown-ups, for that matter- who are still scared of the dark”.
The Saturday Age, Melbourne
A powerhouse.
School Library Journal
Captivating picture book for younger children that is sure to become a library essential in no time. A powerful narrative... evocatively illustrated. There's really no good reason not to have this on your shelves.
Teach Nursery
A charming and thoughtful book which, along with its endearing illustrations, will ensure a fast friendship between children and the dark everywhere.
Mail on Sunday
A charming tale by the inimitable Lemony Snicket, beautifully illustrated by Jon Klassen.
zaparents
A powerful and moving tale which will entertain and encourage others to fight their fear of the dark.
Bury Free Press
Snicket and Klassen are an inspired pairing in this suspenseful take on childhood fear. . . . a memorable ride on the emotional roller coaster that great storytelling creates. Ages 3-6.
Publishers Weekly
The Dark has leapt straight into my list of favourite books. A beautiful book that every home should own. 10/10
Books with Bunny
Simply told and evocatively drawn, this is an ideal book to read with young children.
The Scotsman
He eloquently reminds us what it is to be afraid of the dark and also, with Jon Klassen's simple, illuminating drawings, guarantees that readers see the light.
The Observer
Irresistible.
Bookseller
With emotional insight and poetic economy, Lemony Snicket and Jon Klassen bring to light a universal and empowering story about conquering fear.
Green Parent
If ever there was a perfect creative pairing of words and pictures, surely this is it.
Daily Mail
Jon Klassen's artwork, a sequence of variations on themes of darkness and light, captures precisely the spareness of the prose as we watch young Laszlo, the central character, emerge from one to the other.
Irish Times
Any child afraid of the dark will find solace in this elegant fable about everyday bravery. Beautiful images... charming text... a story as simple as it is timeless.
Financial Times
Funny, poignant and beautifully drawn, it is sure to be a classic.
Ham & High
Highly original and visually stunning. * * * * *
Bookbag
A familiar fear is given a new lease of life... serious, clever and intensely illustrated.
The Guardian
A powerful fable about a child's fear and mastery of the dark.
Books for Keeps
A picturebook not to miss. (Children's Book of the Week)
Sunday Times
A reassuring story for any children who may be afraid of the dark.
Sunday Express
Thoughtful, perceptive and very reassuring.
Parents In Touch
“The book takes a unique and engaging angle on a common theme, giving it a dark new twist that ultimately will leave children empowered and enthralled”.
The Courier Mail, Brisbane
A sweet and emotional picture book. A great book for all children who are afraid of the dark.
Baby & Me
The originality of The Dark is breathtaking, as are the pictures and prose. Klassen and Snicket play to their combined strengths. This elegant, vividly written tale should win some shuteye for all - and prizes for its creators.
The Times
Sleek, stylish.
Financial Times
Original, delightful and empowering. Jon Klassen's illustrations are a perfect match for this outstanding picture book.
Julia Eccleshare - Lovereading
Lovely retro-styled illustrations... beguiling.
Financial Times