PICTURE BOOK REVIEW: Dark on Light by Dianne White

 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR

Dianne White is fond of lavender blooms and the way an orange moon hangs in the evening sky. She’s the author of several picture books, including the award-winning Blue on Blue, illustrated by Caldecott medalist Beth Krommes, and Green on Green, illustrated by Felicita Sala. Dianne lives with her family in Gilbert, Arizona, where many nights at twilight, the desert blazes rose on sapphire on dark on light. For more information and to download a free activity kit, visit diannewrites.com.

Instagram: @diannewrites
Facebook: Dianne White
Twitter: @diannewrites

Felicita Sala is a self-taught illustrator and painter. She has a degree in philosophy from the University of Western Australia. She now lives and works in Rome. She draws inspiration from nature, children, mid-century illustration, folk art, and architecture. To learn more, visit felicitasala.com.

Instagram: @felicita.sala

REVIEW

The beautiful poetic text of this picture book is enhanced by the lovely illustrations following the adventures of a group of children searching for their dog.  Starting in their yard, three children use a flashlight to look for their dog. After leaving the yard the children come across deer, lavender blooms, an owl, a forest, and a cave. In short phrases the rhyming text describes the natural world as the children explore it. Numerous references to 'dark on light' remind the reader of the darkness of twilight as the children search with a flashlight. Later, the youngsters enjoy the beauty of the moon shining down on the world. This book focuses on the beauty of the natural world beyond human lights. It reminds me of looking at the stars while sleeping in my backyard growing up. Sadly, I couldn't do it now as the area has been filled up with houses.  I loved the reminder here that the earth has so much to offer if we but take the time to see and enjoy it. Of course, the children return to the safety and coziness of home where they curl up, enjoy a good book, and drift off to sleep. A perfect book for just before bedtime, but it would also work well for story time.

SAMPLE PAGES




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