A Patch of Black
What’s inside...
What can you do with a patch of black, a moon and a silver star? From a magical wish-granting cloak to a hammock rocked by jungle animal friends, there's nothing that a patch of night-time sky can't become with a bit of imagination, and certainly no need to be afraid of the dark. Rachel Rooney's charming text is accompanied by beautiful, evocative illustrations from Deborah Allwright. A lyrical lullaby tale that's perfect for bedtime.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the girl feels when she sees the patch of black at night?
What are some of the imaginative things the black patch turns into in the girl's mind?
Why do you think the night can sometimes feel scary, and how can we make it feel safer?
What are some of your favorite night-time stories or dreams?
How does the story change your feelings about the dark?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own feelings about the dark and relate to the girl's experiences in the book.
Discuss the creativity the girl uses to transform her fear into exciting adventures, highlighting the power of imagination.
Create a comfortable reading environment, perhaps under dim lighting, to make the discussion of nighttime more relatable.
After reading, consider co-creating a drawing or story with your child about what the dark could turn into using fun and imaginative ideas.
Revisit the book on different occasions to see if your child's feelings or interpretations about the dark change over time.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Overcoming fear of the dark
Explanation: The protagonist is guided by their mother to envision the dark as a canvas for imagination rather than something to fear.
Real-World Application: Children can use creative thinking to cope with their fears, transforming scary situations into opportunities for creativity.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: Through beautiful, evocative imagery, the book illustrates how imagination can turn something mundane into a vibrant adventure.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to use their imagination to solve problems and entertain themselves, fostering creative thinking skills.
Example Lesson: The importance of the parent-child bond
Explanation: The comforting voice of the mother in the story helps the child feel safe and loved, showing how support from parents is crucial in overcoming fears.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of family support and trusting relationships which are essential for emotional security and development.
Example Lesson: Embracing bedtime routines
Explanation: The story turns bedtime, often a struggle, into a delightful journey, showing it as a time for quiet and calm through engaging narrative.
Real-World Application: Children can perceive bedtime as a positive part of the day, contributing to better sleep habits and a regular routine.