Who Needs the Dark? - by Laura Alary (Hardcover)

About the Book

"How do you feel about the dark? Is it creepy or cozy? Spooky or spectacular? The dark is for sleeping, for growing, for healing, for sharing secrets, and for changing into something new. Humans depend on the dark for their health and well-being, as do a variety of other living things. Inside the womb, the dark held you while you grew, keeping you snug and safe ... just like dark soil holds slumbering sunflower seeds until it's time for them to burst into life. Humans need the dark for sleeping, to heal our bodies and get them ready for the coming day ... just as honeybees sleep to keep their bodies strong and ready to work. Sometimes we find that too much light dazzles and distracts, and we crave the comfort of the dark ... just like a deer stepping onto a country road on a dark night is blinded by headlights. For her, the dark is a safe place to hide. There are so many wonderful things one can only see in the dark: fireflies, the moon, the stars. The dark is for wonder. Lean into it, and it will hold you until you are ready for whatever comes next. This is a lyrical love letter to darkness, explaining how and why humans - and a variety of other living things -- need the dark for so many things. It will teach kids to celebrate and cherish the dark instead of being afraid of it."--

Book Synopsis

A celebration of the dark and all the ways it can heal, comfort, console, and create

How do you feel about the dark? Is it creepy or cozy? Eerie or awesome? The dark doesn't have to be scary. After all, it's for sleeping, for growing, for healing, and for changing into something new. Humans depend on the dark for their health and well-being, and so do other living things.

A love letter to darkness, this informational picture book incorporates STEM content to gently encourage readers to look at the dark in new ways. Lyrical, poetic text and soft, striking illustrations make for a delightful read aloud.

Review Quotes

"A surprisingly comforting and thoughtful ode to darkness."

-- "Kirkus Reviews"