About the Book:
Title: Dark on Light
Author: Dianne White
Illustrator: Felicita Sala
Pub. Date: December 6, 2022
Beagles & Books is thrilled to share a review of Dark on Light. Special thanks to Beach Lane/Simon & Schuster and Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review:
As the sun sets, the family dog scampers away from the house. Three siblings go on a search to find their pup. When the dog isn’t found in the hedges near their house, the children venture into the woods with a flashlight to guide their way. Both White’s soothing, lyrical text and Sala’s warm, breathtaking artwork evoke calm and wonder as readers join the trio on their quest to find their pet.
When I read Dark on Light to kindergarteners for #classroombookaday, they immediately were captured by White’s rhyming text. A few students quickly caught on to the repetitive phrase “dark and light” reading it with me which prompted the whole class to join in. As I read, I ask the children to look closely at the illustrations to see if they could find the pup and as they searched page after page, they discovered lots of forest animals. I love how Sala “hid” some of the animals in her artwork inviting the children to hunt for them.
When the siblings find their dog in a burrow, the kindergarteners cheered. Once back at home, they are greeted by their parents and soon nestled in their beds for a good night’s sleep. If you are looking for a gentle and cozy bedtime story, Dark on Light is just perfect.
Praise for Dark on Light!
★Lilting, haunting, rhyming, and as unforgettable as a dream the daylight just can’t quite erase.”
— Kirkus Reviews
★“The creators of Green on Green follow that seasonal work with one focused on shadow and light, centering lulling, mesmerizing sensate verse accompanied by artwork in warm, saturated hues…. Closing bedtime scenes in a shared bedroom embody warmth and security… in this quiet celebration of chiaroscuro in the natural world.”
— Publishers Weekly
- One of Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Books about Nature 2022
- A Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
About the Author:
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
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About the Illustrator: Instagram: @felicita.sala |
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