A book that illustrates the rise of fascism to children without feeling scary. ( )

I loved this book, but it was a little scary for my three-year-old who isn't afraid of the dark. And a bit too political for my seven-year-old who argued with the logic. ( )

I love this book. I wish I had this boo when I was growing up because I was terrified of the dark. I had three night-lights and it was still too dark for my liking. But this book shows how darkness can be beautiful and is worth appreciating.

A little prince who is afraid of the dark vows that he will ban it when he becomes king in this original fairy-tale from British author/illustrator Emily Haworth-Booth. His ministers concoct a plan to convince the people that a world constantly lit is a good thing, and all goes well at first. But soon the king's subjects grow weary of never having the peace and comfort of the dark. They in turn concoct a plan, complete with fireworks display, to demonstrate to the king that the dark can be a good thing...

A picture-book debut for Haworth-Booth, The King Who Banned the Dark is an engaging story about balance, and learning to see the good in something that can be frightening - namely: the dark. The cartoon-style illustrations are expressive and full of humor, using a limited yellow color palette that is no doubt meant to reflect the central story idea about light. I don't know that this is destined to become one of my own favorites, but for those seeking picture-books addressing fear of the dark, this might be a title to consider. ( )