The Dark - By Lemony Snicket ( Hardcover )

About the Book

Lazlo is afraid of the dark which lives in the same big, creaky house as him, until one night the dark pays him a visit. With emotional insight and poetic economy, two award-winning talents team up to conquer a universal childhood fear. Full color.

Book Synopsis

Laszlo is afraid of the dark.

The dark lives in the same house as Laszlo. Mostly, though, the dark stays in the basement and doesn't come into Lazslo's room. But one night, it does.

This is the story of how Laszlo stops being afraid of the dark.

With emotional insight and poetic economy, two award-winning talents team up to conquer a universal childhood fear.

Review Quotes

New York Times Best Illustrated
2014 Charlotte Zolotow Award WinnerA School Library Journal Best Book of the YearA Publishers Weekly Best Book of the YearALSC Notable Books for Children

* An offbeat -- and spookily atmospheric -- approach to fear of the dark, with a creative story and high-impact artwork...an enjoyable thrill.--The Bulletin, starred review

* Readers are going to want to read this one over and over.--Library Media Connection, starred review

*In its willingness to acknowledge the darkness, and the elegant art of that acknowledgment, The Dark pays profound respect to the immediacy of childhood experiences.--Booklist, starred review

*Snicket and Klassen present a picture book that tackles a basic childhood worry with suspense, a dash of humor, and a satisfying resolution.--School Library Journal, starred review

*While it might not combat fear of the dark, it's an ingenius introduction to horror movie--style catharsis, and a memorable ride on the emotional roller coaster that great storytelling creates.--Publishers Weekly, starred review

*With his command of language, tone, and pacing, Snicket creates the perfect antidote to a universal fear. Klassen's spare gouache and digital illustrations in a quiet black, brown, and white palette (contrasted with Laszlo's light blue footy pajamas and the yellow light bulb) are well suited for a book about the unseen. Using simple black lines and color contrasts to provide atmosphere and depth, Klassen captures the essence of Snicket's story.

--The Horn Book, starred review

Laszlo, though a new creation for this story, somehow seems satisfyingly familiar.--Kirkus Reviews

About The Author

Lemony Snicket had an unusual education and a perplexing youth and now endures a despondent adulthood. His previous published works include All the Wrong Questions, the thirteen volumes in A Series of Unfortunate Events, The Composer is Dead, and 13 Words.