Hello, Dark
What’s inside...
A small child confronts his anxiety about the dark by befriending it. He thinks about the good things darkness provides—like safety for nocturnal creatures—then imagines the dark as a friendly companion made of shadow with whom he plays imaginary games, tells secrets, listens to music, and talks about beautiful things. The book concludes with an Author's Note about the author's experience with sleep anxiety as an Early Childhood Educator. In a reassuring bedtime book perfectly pitched to ease sleep anxiety, a little boy overcomes his worries by befriending the darkness. A little boy faces his fear of the dark by engaging in a conversation with it. Imagining the dark as a friendly shadow creature, the boy comes to the realization that the dark is not only a necessary part of life, but that it can be fun as well! The boy and his new friend play make believe, meditate, and listen to music until it's finally time to fall asleep. In 'Hello, Dark', Wai Mei Wong's debut offers a mindful depiction of the dark that's perfect for bedtime and will help even the most restless sleepers find their own comfort after the lights go out. Tamara Campeau's compelling illustrations depict the boy's bedroom in deep and rich color that perfectly evokes the feeling of darkness without being frightening. A note to caregivers at the end of the book relays the author's experience as an early childhood educator who has often supported families seeking support to manage their child's fear of the dark and sleeping anxiety.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the character felt when they first met the dark? Can you describe a time you felt the same way?
What are some ways the character learned to enjoy the dark? What are your favorite activities to do in the dark?
Why do you think the dark is important for the world? How does it help plants, animals, and us?
Can you think of other stories where characters were scared at first but later found out there was no need to be? How does this compare to 'Hello, Dark'?
If you could talk to the dark, what would you say or ask?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, discuss any experiences your child may have had with fearing the dark, reassuring them that it's a common feeling.
While reading, take pauses after dramatic moments or character revelations to ask your child how they think the character feels and relate those feelings to real-life situations.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of a scene where the character is interacting with the dark, discussing what they imagine the setting to be like.
After reading, ask your child to summarize what the character learned about the dark and relate it to what they themselves can learn or have learned from the book.
Use a calm and soothing tone while discussing the themes of the book to create a safe space for your child to express their thoughts and fears about the dark.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing the Unknown
Explanation: In 'Hello, Dark,' the protagonist learns to see the darkness not as something to fear, but as a place of mystery and potential fun. This change in perspective is portrayed through a series of imaginative nighttime adventures.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to approach unfamiliar situations with curiosity and optimism, rather than fear, fostering a mindset that is open to new experiences.
Example Lesson: Importance of Imagination
Explanation: The story illustrates how the child uses imagination to transform the dark from a scary environment to an intriguing one, filled with friendly and fantastical creatures.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their creativity as a tool for problem-solving and to perceive the world around them in a more vibrant and positive light.
Example Lesson: Coping with Fears
Explanation: The protagonist's journey with the dark character teaches that fears can be confronted and managed. Through their adventures, the child learns coping mechanisms that lessen the impact of their initial fears.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn that fears are a normal part of life and that they can deal with them through understanding and bravery, which can help with anxiety reduction in real-life scenarios.
Example Lesson: Learning about Nighttime
Explanation: As the child explores the night with the character 'Dark,' they learn about nocturnal animals and the beauty of the starlit sky, turning the fearful dark into an educational experience.
Real-World Application: This story can spark a child's interest in natural sciences and encourage exploration and learning about the environment and biology in their everyday life.