Orion and the Dark; Emma Yarlett

As a child I remember growing up and being scared of the dark. Unsure of what was lurking in the shadows or what might be hiding in a darkened room, and creaky floorboards and the grumbling of pipes used to frighten me to my core.

Orion’s world is full of frightening things - wasps, popping balloons, spiders, monster and haircuts to name a few. But the thing that terrifies him more than anything else though is…the dark. Despite trying lots of different ways to overcome his fear - including capturing the sun, painting his room in glow-in-the-dark paint and inventing the everlasting lightbulb - nothing has worked and it is soon time for bed again where the dark awaits. One night, Orion shouts mean things at the dark as it watches him through the skylight. Everything was fine until the dark is tired of being shouted at and leaps into Orion’s room and is sitting in his swivel chair. Can the dark show Orion that it is not something to fear…

This is a fantastical adventure of a young boy overcoming his fears. The dark and Orion journey into the shadows and the scariest parts of the house to see what really lurks there. They then head out into the night to learn about the many sounds and noises of the night. Finally facing Orion’s biggest fear of all…space. What Orion learns is that things are not as scary as he first thought and his over-active imagination is responsible for many of his dark-related fears.

If you are familiar with any of Emma Yarlett’s books then you will be expecting impressive artwork and creative page layouts. Orion and the Dark does not disappoint. The illustrations are bold and the use of dark colours perfectly capture Orion’s fear of the dark. The two cut-out pages are brilliant and innovative, Emma Yarlett is an expert at producing books with innovative and creative designs.

A wonderful book for sharing with children who are fearful of the dark. It will help children to see that the dark is nothing to be fearful of, in fact he is a rather friendly person if you give him the chance to let him show you.

Recommended for 5+.