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Dark on Light
As the sun sets, three siblings discover nature’s nighttime beauty in this soothingly rhythmic and gorgeously illustrated bedtime picture book from the acclaimed author-illustrator team behind Green on Green.
Gentle the evening. Sweeping the skies.
Dark the shadows as twilight arrives.
Rose the horizon, gleaming and bright.
Twilight and evening and dark on light.
When the family dog trots away from the house at sunset, three siblings tumble out the door to go find him. Soon they find themselves immersed in the luminous colors, shades, and shadows of nature at night—both dark and light. They wander through moonlit lavender meadows, past a timid fawn, beneath a snowy white owl, and much, much more as the night deepens until, at last, they find their sneaky pup.
With beautiful illustrations by Felicita Sala and lyrical text by Dianne White that’s perfect for reading aloud, this book invites young readers to step into the wondrous, colorful nighttime natural world.
Gentle the evening. Sweeping the skies.
Dark the shadows as twilight arrives.
Rose the horizon, gleaming and bright.
Twilight and evening and dark on light.
When the family dog trots away from the house at sunset, three siblings tumble out the door to go find him. Soon they find themselves immersed in the luminous colors, shades, and shadows of nature at night—both dark and light. They wander through moonlit lavender meadows, past a timid fawn, beneath a snowy white owl, and much, much more as the night deepens until, at last, they find their sneaky pup.
With beautiful illustrations by Felicita Sala and lyrical text by Dianne White that’s perfect for reading aloud, this book invites young readers to step into the wondrous, colorful nighttime natural world.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published December 6, 2022
1 person is currently reading
233 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
February 27, 2023
So beautiful however is this a book for children or for the parents of children?
January 4, 2023
Another absolute gem from author Dianne White, who gave us Blue on Blue and Green on Green. This book celebrates the beauty of nature as we adventure along with three children as they explore the landscape around their home at night. The lyrical text makes for a nice read aloud, and this is paired with rich and dreamy illustrations that spark the imagination. I love the sense of awe and wonder but also the simplicity in the adventure. Children will surely want to grab a flashlight and head outside to see what sort of nighttime wonders there are to behold in their own backyards after reading this. Such a gem, and I would love to see more in this series.
***Note: I was provided a review copy of this book via Blue Slip Media. Opinions are my own.
***Note: I was provided a review copy of this book via Blue Slip Media. Opinions are my own.
June 19, 2023
This is a book that doesn’t say much at all. The illustrations are lovely and that is the best part about it.
February 22, 2023
As I was reading this, the words and images were giving me Mary Oliver vibes. My face was smiling as I read and found delightful details in each of Salas’s’s illustrationd
March 15, 2023
A nice cozy rhyming bedtime story. I like the richly colored watercolor illustrations.
November 23, 2023
This beautiful picture book written by Dianne White and illustrated by Felicita Sala makes a lovely bedtime read. Rhyming and poetic text blends with the calming color palette, bringing a soothing experience. The reader explores the idea that even in darkness, there can be light, and the illustrations reveal a joyful ending of comfort and peace.
March 9, 2023
Lovely, lushly illustrated celebration of the sights and colors of a country nighttime.
December 17, 2022
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is Dark on Light, written by Dianne White and illustrated by Felicita Sala, a poetic exploration of the colors and shape of the world post-sunset.
Three children venture out of their farmhouse at twilight, with boots and flashlights, on a mission to find their wandering dog. They tread boldly down a country trail, letting the light from the moon and stars – along with the beams of their own lights – guide them through fields of lavender, meadows, and woods. Finding their wayward pal, they all head home to be tucked into bed, as the dark and quiet night continues to watch over them.
Sedate and cozy. White’s restrained yet evocative poetry combines elegantly with Sala’s rich and engaging artwork to create a story that is as much about its setting as it is its characters. Both do a fantastic job of presenting a subtle and comforting concept – that darkness is not the absence of color or life, but that it only changes the shades in which we view it. For little ones nervous about the dark, this could be a nice reassurance: that the world is just as beautiful and welcoming in darkness as it is in light. The length is great for a storytime, and both JJ and I enjoyed it. Overall, a lovely read, and it’s Baby Bookworm approved!
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to the Baby Bookworm by a representative of the author in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
April 14, 2023
The darkness of night unfolds into the scene of a small adventure and invites as a bedtime read.
When the family dog wanders off in the evening and the three children can't find him anywhere, they grab a flashlight and head out to find him. But the puppy isn't the only thing they discover as nature settles into nighttime.
This book is written with lovely, poetic form, which flows smoothly and invites to lean back and enjoy the verbal scenes. Each phrase only holds a few words, and the author has made sure to keep the vocabulary very age appropriate. It's beautifully woven (as in adults will enjoy the poetry) without alienating young listeners.
The illustrations are cleverly done. Not only are these also well-done from the plain, artistic stand-point (and beautiful), but they take care to show that nighttime doesn't mean black and white. Instead, shades and colors fitting to the scenes create a natural and inviting atmosphere. This makes nighttime more inviting and awakens curiosity. There are animals and surprises hidden here and there as the single beam from the flashlight lightens up areas here and there. I would have wished there was more going on as some moments rang a little monotone, but this does invite to calming down and heading into those sleepy hours.
This is a lovely bedtime read, which relaxes, calms fears of the dark, and might have young listeners wanting to head out on their own nighttime adventure soon. I received a complimentary copy and found this to be a lovely, bedtime read.
When the family dog wanders off in the evening and the three children can't find him anywhere, they grab a flashlight and head out to find him. But the puppy isn't the only thing they discover as nature settles into nighttime.
This book is written with lovely, poetic form, which flows smoothly and invites to lean back and enjoy the verbal scenes. Each phrase only holds a few words, and the author has made sure to keep the vocabulary very age appropriate. It's beautifully woven (as in adults will enjoy the poetry) without alienating young listeners.
The illustrations are cleverly done. Not only are these also well-done from the plain, artistic stand-point (and beautiful), but they take care to show that nighttime doesn't mean black and white. Instead, shades and colors fitting to the scenes create a natural and inviting atmosphere. This makes nighttime more inviting and awakens curiosity. There are animals and surprises hidden here and there as the single beam from the flashlight lightens up areas here and there. I would have wished there was more going on as some moments rang a little monotone, but this does invite to calming down and heading into those sleepy hours.
This is a lovely bedtime read, which relaxes, calms fears of the dark, and might have young listeners wanting to head out on their own nighttime adventure soon. I received a complimentary copy and found this to be a lovely, bedtime read.
December 20, 2022
DARK ON LIGHT is a lyrical book about the majesty of night. The book is written in a poem of phrases as children make a journey through the night and the woods all the way back home and into bed.
What I loved: This is a soft and lyrical book that brings the children through the night and nature all the way back to their beds for sleep. With the short phrases and repeated refrains, it has a great and soothing rhythm, which is great for bedtime reads. The muted colors and dark imagery also work well for nighttime, and the font is written clearly throughout to compliment the scheme but keep it readable even in low light.
What left me wanting more: As a small thing, the plot will not be very clear for the youngest readers who will be enjoying this book. The poem does not give the plot away, and the synopsis summarizes and explains it more than the story does (such as that the children are going out after their dog), which is tough for this young audience, who needs things a bit clearer and more explained.
Final verdict: DARK ON LIGHT is a lush and lyrical story that celebrates night and nature. This picture book will work well for preschoolers and elementary school aged readers.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
What I loved: This is a soft and lyrical book that brings the children through the night and nature all the way back to their beds for sleep. With the short phrases and repeated refrains, it has a great and soothing rhythm, which is great for bedtime reads. The muted colors and dark imagery also work well for nighttime, and the font is written clearly throughout to compliment the scheme but keep it readable even in low light.
What left me wanting more: As a small thing, the plot will not be very clear for the youngest readers who will be enjoying this book. The poem does not give the plot away, and the synopsis summarizes and explains it more than the story does (such as that the children are going out after their dog), which is tough for this young audience, who needs things a bit clearer and more explained.
Final verdict: DARK ON LIGHT is a lush and lyrical story that celebrates night and nature. This picture book will work well for preschoolers and elementary school aged readers.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
January 26, 2023
Poetic phrases and wonderful illustrations share a story of siblings exploring at night while also looking for their dog. The adventure is more exciting because, at nighttime, their surroundings look different. The hedge that borders the lawn is dark and the stones along the garden shimmer in the light.
Three siblings get excited when an owl flies overhead but the words don’t tell you that, the illustrations do. The lyrical and rhyming text is a background to the illustrations on the page. You don’t realize a pet is lost until it is found. You don’t realize it is a bedtime story until the soothing words lull you under a blanket until you are fast asleep.
This is a different type of bedtime story but one that also highlights the beauty of the darkness outside and all that can be explored and seen if we look for it. This unexpected adventure for three siblings can be a reminder to explore the nighttime beauty in your backyard.
Three siblings get excited when an owl flies overhead but the words don’t tell you that, the illustrations do. The lyrical and rhyming text is a background to the illustrations on the page. You don’t realize a pet is lost until it is found. You don’t realize it is a bedtime story until the soothing words lull you under a blanket until you are fast asleep.
This is a different type of bedtime story but one that also highlights the beauty of the darkness outside and all that can be explored and seen if we look for it. This unexpected adventure for three siblings can be a reminder to explore the nighttime beauty in your backyard.
September 4, 2023
I am so glad Dianne White won the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award, because that is how I discovered this gorgeous book. As soon as I saw it, I knew why she won the award and so many others. As an illustrator, I love using dark and light, but I never thought to show that off in my writing. Love how Dianne and Felicita worked together. How Dianne's sparse lyrical text left room for Felicita to create the breathtaking illustrations that show off the story perfectly!
Children are sure to want to grab a flashlight and explore their yards when evening arrives. I bet parents will want to join the kids on their outside nighttime adventure and maybe both parents and their children will think about the awsomeness of dark and light in our world.
This is a book buyers and readers will want to keep and pass down to the next generation.
Children are sure to want to grab a flashlight and explore their yards when evening arrives. I bet parents will want to join the kids on their outside nighttime adventure and maybe both parents and their children will think about the awsomeness of dark and light in our world.
This is a book buyers and readers will want to keep and pass down to the next generation.
December 30, 2022
What a beautiful book! Dark on Light delivers breathtaking illustrations by Felicity Sala and lyrical poetry that dances of the pages by Dianne White. This is the perfect bedtime book showing even though it's dark at night, there is so much light. What a comfort to young readers who fear bedtime and the dark!
Soothing as a lullaby, this picture book is certain to become a bedtime favorite. A trio of siblings explore the woods near their home, taking in the magic of the night. They return home where it's warm and comfortable and climb into their beds after reading a bedtime story.
Dark on Light deserves the highest award a children's book can receive. My pick for picture book of the year!
Highly, highly recommended ages 2 and up.
Soothing as a lullaby, this picture book is certain to become a bedtime favorite. A trio of siblings explore the woods near their home, taking in the magic of the night. They return home where it's warm and comfortable and climb into their beds after reading a bedtime story.
Dark on Light deserves the highest award a children's book can receive. My pick for picture book of the year!
Highly, highly recommended ages 2 and up.
June 12, 2023
This is one of my favorite picture books ever (and that's saying something). But then, it's by the author of Blue on Blue and Winter Lullaby, and the team that brought us Green on Green. Dark on Light is a gentle, lyrical voyage across the liminal space between day and night, lost and found, dark and light, as three young siblings search calmly for their missing dog, observing the beauty and wonder of the outdoor world at night. No one matches White's narrative poetry/stories for young readers, rendered in a mere couple of hundred words that evoke such wonder, beauty, emotion, and a simple but profound depiction of the world we live in--through a young person's sensibility. A bedtime book like no other.
October 26, 2022
Another gorgeous poetic picture book from Dianne White! Fans of BLUE ON BLUE and GREEN ON GREEN will recognize her signature, deliciously-descriptive phrasing. “Dark the shadows as twilight arrives” sets the scene for evening as three children set out, flashlight in hand, down a trail to look for their wandering pup. On their travels they frolic and investigate, finding many other treasures as well…towering trees, an orange moon, the magic of the nighttime sky. And readers are treated to a treasure too - beautiful art from Felicita Sala, juxtaposing the dark and light in all the right ways. A stunning book!
December 6, 2022
A perfect read aloud for all ages. White's vivid, lyrical text paired with Sala's stunning, warm illustrations invites readers to treasure the nighttime and the darkness it brings. Of course the light is still there, celebrated here in the spark of a flashlight against the night sky...or the setting sun just before it whispers goodnight...or the way the moon shines on the tips of trees. A wonderful read before bedtime, or also to help calm fears for kids who are scared of the dark. Following the adventures of the books characters may shift some young minds to start seeing the darkness in a whole new way!
December 8, 2022
This gentle, lyrical story follows three children on a night time hike through the woods in a quest for their wandering puppy. The simple, lyrical text on each two page spread describes their search, and the soft hues of the charming illustrations capture the mood. You’ll feel the children’s delight as they make discovery after discovery along the trail; an owl soaring overhead, foxes peeking out of the grasses, deer grazing in the shadows. You’ll witness their joy when they find their dog and rush home with the good news just in time to be tucked into their cozy beds. It’s one you’ll want to add to your family’s library.
March 5, 2023
What a wonderful companion book to read with Savage's "Moonlight"! Again, Liliana was captivated by the illustrations going along with the story, finding all of the animals in the forest who were in hiding at night, only illuminations coming from the brother's flashlight and the moonlight. She also really enjoyed the coziness after the children return with their dog (the reason they went out at night with the flashlight in the first place, to find him). Tucked into their beds for a story by moonlight and flashlight, the children's parents welcome them home.
Repetition also makes this an interactive story to read with a little one.
Repetition also makes this an interactive story to read with a little one.
June 21, 2022
What a beautiful, soothing book to help a child sleep - or just appreciate the textures and lights of the world around them. Dianne White uses repetition and soothing sounds to make this a modern bedtime classic, while Felicita Sala adds her own lovely, lyrical style to this celebration of nighttime exploration. It's almost hypnotic in its rhythms - which is just what you want with a sleepy child! I'm a fan of their previous collaboration, Green on Green, and think this would make a lovely addition to any family bookshelf.
September 2, 2022
This book is EXCEPTIONAL. Seriously. It is so good, it makes me a little mad at at.
White's word choice, cadence, and rhythm and Sala's deeply textural illustrations let you discover the magic in that transition of dusk to twilight to night time. Though the children in the story are looking for their lost dog in the darkening woods, there's never a sense of alarm, just wonder at the sights, sounds, and smells around them. This book is an excellent bedtime read aloud, but be prepared to be asked to read it again and again. In fact, I think I'm going to read it again right now.
White's word choice, cadence, and rhythm and Sala's deeply textural illustrations let you discover the magic in that transition of dusk to twilight to night time. Though the children in the story are looking for their lost dog in the darkening woods, there's never a sense of alarm, just wonder at the sights, sounds, and smells around them. This book is an excellent bedtime read aloud, but be prepared to be asked to read it again and again. In fact, I think I'm going to read it again right now.
September 14, 2022
Sala’s gorgeous, gentle illustrations and White’s soothing, calming text illuminates the beauty that comes with the night, and will hopefully help assuage the fears of children who may be nervous and scared of the dark. In this beautiful bedtime book, three kids venture into the woods at night in search of their lost dog, appreciating what they discover by the light of their flashlight, from a shy fawn to the scent of lavender to a visiting owl. This story makes me yearn for a visit to the countryside, where I can embark on a nighttime adventure to explore more examples of dark on light!
October 31, 2022
Another gorgeous book from the team behind GREEN ON GREEN! My words won't do this book justice...this is such a lovely end-of-day story, setting sun to bedtime, with all of the colors and sounds to describe dusk to starry night. I can't imagine a more perfect bedtime story! The three children searching for their missing pup will keep young listeners engaged from start to finish. And the illustrations are perfection--I want to jump into each and every scene. You won't regret adding this one to your picture book collection!
January 25, 2023
Dianne White’s verse with Felicita Sala’s illustrations makes this book an instant read aloud need! The verse is so rhythmic and rolls off the tongue in a way that will make the book fun to read and listen to. The illustrations add another dimension to the words taking a beautiful poem and turning it into a narrative also. This book will make any reader want to go on a nighttime hike to investigate the beauty of the night.
Full review with teaching tools: https://www.unleashingreaders.com/25800
Full review with teaching tools: https://www.unleashingreaders.com/25800
March 3, 2023
Three siblings head out to explore the night with their flashlight. Even though it is dark, there is still light - and different colors. Like an orange moon and sapphire windows. The children find a puppy -- I'm not sure if the puppy was lost and they were looking for it; or if they just stumbled on a stray in the woods. The parents are certainly happy to see the puppy and welcome it into their home.
A soothing bed-time story with lots to observe in the pictures while the poetical text is read.
A soothing bed-time story with lots to observe in the pictures while the poetical text is read.
January 15, 2024
Das Buch „Zwischen Tag und Nacht“ ist ein wunderschön illustriertes Kinderbuch, mit kurzen und prägnanten, aber trotzdem tiefgründigen Reimen auf jeder Seite.
Die kurzen Zweizeiler laden zum Träumen ein. Die liebevollen Illustrationen, erzählen passend dazu eine kleine Geschichte.
Ein Erlebnis am Abend in die Dämmerung hinein, bis es Nacht wird und wieder ein neuer Tag anbricht, bei dem viele Erlebnisse warten.
Auf jeder Seite gibt es viel zu entdecken, denn „auch wenn es draußen dunkel ist, scheint noch immer ein wenig Licht…“
Wirklich wunderschön, für klein und groß.
Die kurzen Zweizeiler laden zum Träumen ein. Die liebevollen Illustrationen, erzählen passend dazu eine kleine Geschichte.
Ein Erlebnis am Abend in die Dämmerung hinein, bis es Nacht wird und wieder ein neuer Tag anbricht, bei dem viele Erlebnisse warten.
Auf jeder Seite gibt es viel zu entdecken, denn „auch wenn es draußen dunkel ist, scheint noch immer ein wenig Licht…“
Wirklich wunderschön, für klein und groß.
February 19, 2024
Beautiful. Shows three siblings going out after dark to explore (and, as we later learn, to search for a missing dog.) Flashlights illuminate nighttime wonders and sensory experiences are explored. The text follows a certain meter, which feels a little more formal and, though it flows, may obscure meanings a bit. I also wondered and worried about kids hiking off in the darkness past the yard and into a wooded area alone. In one sense it's great to see independent kids, but my adult mind is going through the what-ifs. Overall, a lovely, thoughtful book.
September 10, 2022
First, let's just address the fact that I am a huge fan of Felicita Sala's work and the illustrations in this book are so mind-bogglingly stunning, that I couldn't stop pouring over the perfect details on each page. The atmospheric illustrations are the perfect pairing to White's soothingly poetic text. I love how this book is about the magic of evenings and how bright everything can shine in the dark. It's a great example on how text and art work together to make a wonderful picture book.
October 10, 2022
A gorgeously written and poetic picture book. Dianne White's words and Felicita Sala's illustrations bring the transformation of evening turned night into the palm of your hands. In one house are three curious children who take notice of all that surrounds them. From the crisp air to the trail that invites them in, Dianne White illustrates with her words, the glorious magic that basks under the moonlight. Children and adults alike will savor this soothing read.
November 22, 2022
(Has anyone ever retained a 5.0 rating? Far be it from me to break the trend.)
Felicita Sala's gentle and soothing illustrations highlight both the gorgeous sunset evening and a romp by three siblings gone looking at twilight and into the dark for their puppy, discovering with flashlights other nighttime woods surprises. This story is so gentle, it bears repetitive reading and will lull little ones to sleep while adult reader is offered a resplendent visual treat through Sala's illustrations.
Felicita Sala's gentle and soothing illustrations highlight both the gorgeous sunset evening and a romp by three siblings gone looking at twilight and into the dark for their puppy, discovering with flashlights other nighttime woods surprises. This story is so gentle, it bears repetitive reading and will lull little ones to sleep while adult reader is offered a resplendent visual treat through Sala's illustrations.
December 6, 2022
“Gentle the evening. Sweeping the skies. Dark the shadows as twilight arrives.” With these beautiful words, Dianne White once again draws us into the magical world of nature. As three little ones search for their missing pup, we see through their eyes the beauty of the night, and of their surroundings. Felicita Sala’s luminous illustrations - the flashlight! - capture the magic of a twilight evening as lyrical words soothe and lull - a perfect bed time story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews