My four-year-old has suddenly become very anxious about the dark. While I knew he was always a bit scared of it, he wasn't terrified of it as he is now. Are there any books which make the dark seem less scary?
Becky, mother of Miles

Fear of the dark is very common and is a subject that is often addressed in picture books. One of the best loved titles is Martin Waddell's Can't You Sleep, Little Bear? The story tells how Little Bear's fear of the dark leads him to seek a succession of reassurances from Big Bear who finally, to set the matter to rest once and for all, shows Little Bear the beautiful, bright moon.

Little Bear realises that even when there is darkness in his room, there is a still light outside. Barbara Firth's painterly illustrations capture the domestic scene beautifully and will leave any child reader feeling much calmer!

Most recently, author Lemony Snicket and illustrator John Klassen, both renowned for their quirky and original titles, have written and illustrated The Dark. With its black cover and opening double page spread of light and dark pictures, The Dark is initially scarier than Can't You Sleep, Little Bear? but there is a happy ending.

Laszlo who is terrified of the dark, bravely ventures out and has a conversation with the dark, during which both sides agree to live happily together. It is an empowering tale which encourages a usefully bold approach to fear.

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