  | Do you know the dark? : exploring the unseen, unknown, and unusual Author: MacLean, Roz | |
| Price: $23.28 | ||
Summary:
There is so much beauty and wonder that happens in the dark. In the ocean's depths creatures can't see, but they have taken shapes and gained abilities that would never occur to us. Moths cocoon and transform. Bears hibernate in dens, waiting for the warm weather. At night, humans rest, look inwards, and dream.
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (02/01/26)
Booklist (05/01/26)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (+) (00/06/26)
Full Text Reviews:
Publishers Weekly - 04/06/2026 MacLean paints darkness as mysterious and magical for a wondrous deep dive into the topic. An opening question sets the tone ("Do you know the dark?") before leading into brief probing lines that begin with a repeated intonation: "In the dark,/ roots grow, soil is churned,/ and seeds prepare to sprout." Alongside lyrical prose, acrylic gouache, acrylic ink, crayon, and digital illustrations offer blacklight-esque renderings of habitats including a creature-filled forest, a hibernating bear’s den, and the deep ocean. Gradually, storytelling shifts from snapshots of darkness to human activities, showcasing figures interacting with bioluminescence, playing hide-and-seek, and enjoying a planetarium film. "In the dark,/ imagination blooms.../ and dreams come to visit," suggests atmospheric text, aptly highlighting a sense of possibility. Capturing something of the universe’s enigmatic magnificence, this brightly imagined work illuminates the most dimly lit environments. Ages 4-8. (May) - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly used with permission.
Booklist - 05/01/2026 This beautifully illustrated picture book invites readers to reconsider the mysteries of nighttime. Vibrant colors glow against inky, dark backgrounds, creating a striking visual contrast that feels both intimate and expansive. The story explores the many things that happen after the sun sets: heightened senses, spreading shadows, and the emergence of nocturnal animals (to name a few). They all remind us that the world does not stop when it grows dark. With a tone that is both poetic and reassuring, the book gently suggests that âthe dark is not so obvious.â While light offers clarity and certainty, darkness holds wonder and possibility. Rather than reinforcing common childhood fears, the narrative turns them on their head, presenting the night as awe-inspiring instead of alarming. Perfect for bedtime, this story provides more than a soothing read-aloud; it opens the door to meaningful parent-child conversations about fear, curiosity, and the beauty of the unknown. A thoughtful and visually stunning addition to any home or school library. - Copyright 2026 Booklist.
