Who's Afraid of the Light
on Goodreads (93)
What’s inside...
Fergus lives in the deepest, darkest part of the ocean and is afraid of one thing - the light. Award-winning author Anna McGregor presents this humorous tale about Fergus and other sea creatures in the 'midnight zone' of the ocean, where sunlight cannot reach. Through engaging illustrations and a blend of humor and narrative non-fiction, McGregor explores fears and the process of overcoming them, providing a delightful reading experience for children.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the creatures of the dark were afraid of when they first saw the light?
How did the light change their feelings by the end of the story?
Can you think of a time when you were afraid of something new, but it turned out to be okay?
Why do you think the author chose light as something to be afraid of?
How would you help a friend who is scared of something like the creatures were?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a gentle tone to make the child comfortable in expressing their fears or anxieties related to new experiences.
Relate the story to the child’s personal experiences by sharing your own stories of overcoming fear.
Encourage the child to imagine different scenarios by asking, 'What would you do if you were in the story?'
Praise the child’s responses to reinforce positive thinking and engagement with the book’s themes.
Discuss the illustrations in the book and how they help depict changes in emotions from fear to acceptance.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fear
Explanation: In 'Who's Afraid of the Light,' the protagonist, a small nocturnal animal, learns to overcome its fear of daylight with the help of new friends. This gradual transformation illustrates the power of facing and overcoming fears.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by tackling their own fears, whether it's fear of the dark, starting at a new school, or trying new activities, understanding that it's okay to be afraid and that they can overcome these fears with support and courage.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, friendship plays a key role as the protagonist receives support and encouragement from other characters. This camaraderie highlights how friends can help us through challenging times.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of building and maintaining friendships, understanding that friends can provide emotional support and help them navigate difficult situations in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: The characters in the book include various nocturnal and diurnal animals, promoting messages of diversity and acceptance. The protagonist learns to appreciate the differences and unique qualities of each new friend.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to celebrate diversity among their peers and to be open to friendships with others who might seem different from themselves, promoting inclusivity and empathy in real-world social settings.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The protagonist's journey is driven by curiosity about the world during the daytime, leading to various discoveries and personal growth. This theme advocates for a spirit of exploration and learning.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to explore their own environments and interests, understanding that curiosity can lead to new knowledge and personal development, much like the character in the book.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: As the protagonist encounters obstacles and challenges in venturing out into the light, the story exemplifies resilience and the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson serves as a metaphor for children to persist despite difficulties, whether in school, sports, or personal goals, teaching them the importance of not giving up in the face of adversity.