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Frog wakes up from his winter hibernation in this sweet picture-book from English author/illustrator team M. Christina Butler and Jane Chapman, playing with his friends and then heading to his home in the pond once it gets dark. Arriving at the water however, he finds himself confronting a terrible monster in the nearby reeds, and he rushes back to his friends. One by one, they accompany Frog back to the pond, only to spy the monster themselves. It is only when Badger accompanies the group, and mouse gets left behind with the lantern, that the truth is revealed: the animals have been frightened by their own shadows...

A lovely little reassurance story, one which makes good use of its repetitive structure to build up the tension, The Dark, Dark Night demonstrates to the young reader or listener that sometimes the things we are frightened of in the darkness aren't so fearsome after all. The accompanying artwork from Chapman, who has also illustrated Karma Wilson's popular picture-book series about Bear, is lovely, capturing the charm of these animal friends, and the mystery of the dark night around them. Attentive readers/watchers will be able to figure out what all the fuss is about, which will only add to the fun. Recommended to picture-book readers looking for sweet animal stories that offer a reassuring look at something many children find intimidating: namely, the dark. ( )

Fear of the dark and the unknown drive this storyline. Mystery surrounds what the "monster" might be. It is very funny that with each new friend that comes along, the "monster" develops new characteristics! This book was very cleverly written and had equally engaging artwork. The illustrator's use of oil painting brought the book to life. This was a big book with big, full pictures. Very nice.

This book is a good example of fantasy because it is a story about a group of characters learning about shadows for the first time, but these characters are animals making it unrealistic.
Media: Acrylic
Age Appropriatness: Primary

Genre: Fantasy
Age Appropriateness: Primary
Media: Acrylic
Review: This is the story of pond animals who are essentially afraid of their own shadows. It is a fantasy because the animals take on human characteristics, such as talking. ( )