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The Dark

The Dark

Current price: $18.99
Publication Date: April 2nd, 2013
Publisher:
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN:
9780316187480
Pages:
40
Usually Ships in 1 to 5 Days

Young Laszlo is afraid of the dark, but as long as it stays in the basement he can carry on. One night, however, he's forced to face his fear when his beloved nightlight burns out. And, surprisingly, the dark isn't nearly as menacing as he thought. Snicket and Klassen are an author/illustrator pairing made in heaven. Snicket's offbeat and oddly charming tone is complemented perfectly by Klassen's clean, simple representation of light and dark. A quirky and delightful little story to share before bedtime!

Megan Graves, Hooray for Books!, Alexandria, VA
Spring '13 Kids List

Description

Laszlo is afraid of the dark.

The dark lives in the same house as Laszlo. Mostly, though, the dark stays in the basement and doesn't come into Lazslo's room. But one night, it does.

This is the story of how Laszlo stops being afraid of the dark.

With emotional insight and poetic economy, two award-winning talents team up to conquer a universal childhood fear.

About the Author

Lemony Snicket had an unusual education and a perplexing youth and now endures a despondent adulthood. His previous published works include All the Wrong Questions, the thirteen volumes in A Series of Unfortunate Events, The Composer is Dead, and 13 Words.

Praise for The Dark

New York Times Best Illustrated
2014 Charlotte Zolotow Award WinnerA School Library Journal Best Book of the YearA Publishers Weekly Best Book of the YearALSC Notable Books for Children

*"With his command of language, tone, and pacing, Snicket creates the perfect antidote to a universal fear. Klassen's spare gouache and digital illustrations in a quiet black, brown, and white palette (contrasted with Laszlo's light blue footy pajamas and the yellow light bulb) are well suited for a book about the unseen. Using simple black lines and color contrasts to provide atmosphere and depth, Klassen captures the essence of Snicket's story."

The Horn Book, starred review

*"In its willingness to acknowledge the darkness, and the elegant art of that acknowledgment, The Dark pays profound respect to the immediacy of childhood experiences."—Booklist, starred review

*"While it might not combat fear of the dark, it's an ingenius introduction to horror movie--style catharsis, and a memorable ride on the emotional roller coaster that great storytelling creates."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

*"Snicket and Klassen present a picture book that tackles a basic childhood worry with suspense, a dash of humor, and a satisfying resolution."—School Library Journal, starred review

* "An offbeat -- and spookily atmospheric -- approach to fear of the dark, with a creative story and high-impact artwork...an enjoyable thrill."—The Bulletin, starred review

* "Readers are going to want to read this one over and over."—Library Media Connection, starred review

"Laszlo, though a new creation for this story, somehow seems satisfyingly familiar."—Kirkus Reviews