Author: Chris Hadfield
Illustrator: The Fan Brothers
Publisher: Little, Brown Books
Ages: 4-8
“The Darkest Dark” by Chris Hadfield, illustrated by The Fan Brothers, is a touching and inspiring picture book that speaks to children’s common fear of the dark, while also encouraging them to dream big and embrace their aspirations.
The story is based on the real-life experiences of astronaut Chris Hadfield as a child. Young Chris, while being enthusiastic about rockets and the universe, finds himself struggling with a fear of the dark. His perspective changes dramatically after watching the Apollo Moon landing, which helps him see the dark not as something to fear, but as a space filled with endless possibilities and adventures. This realization helps Chris overcome his fear and fuels his dream of becoming an astronaut.
The narrative style is simple and direct, making it easily relatable for children, particularly those who might share a similar fear of the dark. This book is not just about overcoming fear; it’s a tale of transformation and aspiration.
The illustrations by The Fan Brothers add a layer of depth and imagination to the story, beautifully complementing Hadfield’s narrative. The artwork, with its cool tones and subtle lighting, creates a dreamlike quality that enhances the book’s theme of finding beauty and inspiration in darkness.
An additional compelling feature of the book is the brief biography of Chris Hadfield at the end, which includes photographs and illustrated memorabilia. This section provides a real-world connection to the story, showing young readers that dreams, even those that seem as vast as space, can be attainable.
In summary, “The Darkest Dark” is a wonderfully crafted book that not only addresses childhood fears but also inspires children to dream and explore. It’s a perfect blend of a relatable childhood story and an inspiring message about pursuing one’s dreams.
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My thanks to Little, Brown for providing a Review Copy of this book. All opinions provided herein are my own.
More books for this Age Group can be found here and here.
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