The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark
What’s inside...
The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark is a children's book by Jill Tomlinson that tells the story of Plop, a baby barn owl who is frightened of the dark. Despite being a nocturnal animal, Plop is convinced that the dark is scary and unpleasant. His mother, Mrs. Barn Owl, encourages him to learn more about the dark to overcome his fear. Throughout the story, Plop meets various characters who share their positive perspectives on the dark, including a little boy who explains that the dark is necessary for fireworks to be appreciated, an old lady who tells him about the stars and the moon, and a scout who talks about camping at night. Each encounter helps Plop to see the dark in a new light. Gradually, Plop realizes that the dark can be fascinating, exciting, and full of wonders. By the end of the book, Plop overcomes his fear and learns to appreciate the dark, understanding that it is just as much a part of his world as the daylight.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Plop is afraid of the dark? Have you ever been afraid of something like Plop?
How does Plop's feelings about the dark change throughout the story? Can you think of a time when your feelings about something changed?
What do the different characters teach Plop about the dark? What's your favorite thing about the dark?
How do you think the story would be different if Plop wasn’t afraid of the dark at the beginning?
What did you learn from this story? Is there anything you would like to explore or learn more about after reading it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own feelings about the dark and ask your child to share theirs. This can help them feel more comfortable discussing Plop’s fears.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between their experiences and Plop’s journey. This can deepen their understanding and empathy.
Use examples from the book to talk about overcoming fears and invite your child to think of ways they can overcome their own fears.
After discussing the book’s themes, engage in a related activity, like exploring the dark together with a flashlight, to make the learning experience more interactive and fun.
Praise your child for their insights and encourage them to ask questions during the discussion. This fosters an environment where they feel safe to express their thoughts and curiosity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Overcoming fear
Explanation: The story showcases the young owl, Plop, who is initially scared of the dark but learns to overcome his fear through experiences and guidance from others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and understand that with support and personal growth, they can overcome challenges.
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity
Explanation: Plop's journey of discovery about the dark is driven by his curiosity, leading him to meet new characters and learn from them.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive, explore their surroundings, and learn from their interactions, just like Plop.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Despite his initial fear, Plop continues to explore the night at the encouragement of his mother. His perseverance helps him to see the beauty of the dark.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of persisting through difficulties to achieve personal growth and understand new perspectives.
Example Lesson: Learning from diverse perspectives
Explanation: Plop encounters various characters who share their positive experiences and viewpoints about the dark, helping him to see beyond his fears.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the importance of listening to others' experiences and viewpoints to form a well-rounded understanding of the world.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of nature
Explanation: As Plop learns to enjoy the dark, he also discovers the beauty and uniqueness of the nighttime environment and its inhabitants.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to appreciate and respect nature, fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment.