Who's Afraid of the Dark?

Who's Afraid of the Dark?

Author and Illustrator: Crosby Bonsall

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Major Awards: None

Grade Level: Pre-K-2

Summary: A little boy projects his fear of the dark onto his dog, Stella. Throughout the book, he tells the dog he will protect her and that the shapes she sees and noises she hears are in her head. The boy's older friend tells him he needs to teach her how to not be afraid of the dark by holding her at night until she doesn't need him anymore. In the end, Stella helps the little boy get over his fear by laying with him in his bed and keeping him safe.

Evaluation: I don't think I would read this book out loud to children, but I would have it in my library for them to read on their own. It could also make a good "reading group" book. 

This book is best for young children, especially those who are in the process of becoming independent readers. The issues it deals with are relevant to young children and it will help them develop vocabulary and understand the structures in English grammar.

As I said above, I would not teach a lesson over this book, but I would encourage my students to read it on their own, especially if I have knowledge that they are dealing with a similar situation at home.