Go Away, Dark Night
on Goodreads (34)
What’s inside...
Poor Griffin is frightened every night when his room turns pitch black. Despite trying to be brave, he experiences physical reactions like cold hands, fast heartbeats, and jelly legs. The story tenderly addresses children's fear of the dark and reassures them that they are not alone. It offers comfort with the message that 'God's perfect love takes away fear' as stated in 1 John 4:18.
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the character felt when they were facing the dark night? Can you describe a time you felt the same way?
What are some ways the character tried to make the dark night go away? Do you think these were good ideas?
What helps you feel safe when you’re scared or unsure, like the character in the story?
Who helps the character feel braver by the end of the book? How do people in our family or friends help us when we feel scared?
What's the most important thing the character learns about facing fears? What can we learn from this?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by sharing a personal story about a time you felt scared and how you overcame that fear, setting a relatable ground for the child. Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts without interrupting, affirming their feelings as valid. Gently guide the discussion towards the lessons from the story, relating them to real-life scenarios your child might encounter. Close the conversation with reassurance, emphasizing the supportive presence of family and friends in overcoming fears, just like in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fears
Explanation: In 'Go Away, Dark Night', the young protagonist learns to conquer his fear of the dark with the help of his family and prayer.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face and discuss their fears with trusted family members and find comfort in positive coping mechanisms such as prayer or mindfulness techniques.
Example Lesson: Family Support
Explanation: The story highlights the importance of family as the boy's parents and siblings provide reassurance and comfort when he is scared.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to seek support and comfort from their family members when facing difficulties or uncertainties.
Example Lesson: Using Imagination Positively
Explanation: The protagonist uses his imagination to personify and confront the 'dark night', turning a fearful situation into a manageable one.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to use their imagination to transform scary or negative situations into something less intimidating, promoting resilience.
Example Lesson: Importance of Communication
Explanation: Throughout the book, the importance of expressing feelings and fears is shown as a way of overcoming them.
Real-World Application: It can teach children the value of talking about their problems and fears with others, reinforcing that sharing emotions is healthy and helpful.