The Dark

Contributors

By Lemony Snicket

Illustrated by Jon Klassen

Formats and Prices

Price

$18.99

This item is a preorder. Your payment method will be charged immediately, and the product is expected to ship on or around April 2, 2013. This date is subject to change due to shipping delays beyond our control.

Laszlo is afraid of the dark.

The dark lives in the same house as Laszlo. Mostly, though, the dark stays in the basement and doesn’t come into Lazslo’s room. But one night, it does.

This is the story of how Laszlo stops being afraid of the dark.

With emotional insight and poetic economy, two award-winning talents team up to conquer a universal childhood fear.


Genre:

  • New York Times Best Illustrated
    2014 Charlotte Zolotow Award WinnerA School Library Journal Best Book of the YearA Publishers Weekly Best Book of the YearALSC Notable Books for Children

  • *"With his command of language, tone, and pacing, Snicket creates the perfect antidote to a universal fear. Klassen's spare gouache and digital illustrations in a quiet black, brown, and white palette (contrasted with Laszlo's light blue footy pajamas and the yellow light bulb) are well suited for a book about the unseen. Using simple black lines and color contrasts to provide atmosphere and depth, Klassen captures the essence of Snicket's story."

    The Horn Book, starred review
  • *"In its willingness to acknowledge the darkness, and the elegant art of that acknowledgment, The Dark pays profound respect to the immediacy of childhood experiences."
    Booklist, starred review
  • *"While it might not combat fear of the dark, it's an ingenius introduction to horror movie--style catharsis, and a memorable ride on the emotional roller coaster that great storytelling creates."
    Publishers Weekly, starred review
  • *"Snicket and Klassen present a picture book that tackles a basic childhood worry with suspense, a dash of humor, and a satisfying resolution."
    School Library Journal, starred review
  • * "An offbeat -- and spookily atmospheric -- approach to fear of the dark, with a creative story and high-impact artwork...an enjoyable thrill."
    The Bulletin, starred review
  • * "Readers are going to want to read this one over and over."
    Library Media Connection, starred review
  • "Laszlo, though a new creation for this story, somehow seems satisfyingly familiar."
    Kirkus Reviews

On Sale
Apr 2, 2013
Page Count
40 pages
ISBN-13
9780316187480

Lemony Snicket

About the Author

Lemony Snicket is the author of the thirteen volumes in A Series of Unfortunate Events; several picture books, including The Dark and The Bad Mood and the Stick; and the books collectively titled All the Wrong Questions.

Learn more about this author

Jon Klassen

About the Illustrator

Jon Klassen is a Canadian-born author-illustrator. His books include I Want My Hat BackThis Is Not My Hat, winner of the Caldecott Medal; and We Found A Hat. He is a member of the Order of Canada in recognition of his contributions to children’s literature. He currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two sons.

Learn more about this illustrator