S&S/ Beach Lane Books | 978-1534462922

A world without dark is hard for us to imagine because we’re always surrounded by light. Not only during the day. But, also, at night. Our cities and towns, homes and bedrooms are ablaze. “Nightlights, streetlights, flashlights, and table lamps…” All push the Dark away.

Often, we don’t appreciate the Dark, afraid of what we can’t see lurking in the shadows.

CLICK TO ENLARGE © Words and illustrations by Lauren Stringer

“Even the boy who loved the song of crickets was afraid of the Dark under his bed.”

CLICK TO ENLARGE © Words and illustrations by Lauren Stringer

“And so…
the Dark decided to go.
All the world over,
continent by continent,
ocean by ocean,
the Dark left and did not return.”

CLICK TO ENLARGE © Words and illustrations by Lauren Stringer

After the Dark leaves, the world glows with yellow light. Everyone feels safe. No one misses the Dark. At first …

Then, one day the boy remembers the crickets. Along with their song, he misses the hooting owls, the flying bats, the twinkling stars.

And so begins a journey to bring back the Dark – its shadows and mysteries, poems and twinkling stars.

Written and beautifully illustrated by Lauren Stringer in watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil, THE DARK WAS DONE is a gorgeous invitation to welcome the gifts of the night.

Pair this book with: 

The Dark by Lemony Snicket, illustrated by Jon Klassen

Flashlight by Lizi Boyd

Blackout by John Rocco