The King Who Banned the Dark

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The King Who Banned the Dark by Emily Howarth-Booth is an illuminating tale of power, rebellion, darkness and light. Three illustrations on one page so effortlessly depict the way the rumours about the dark were spread, leaving the language uncluttered and the message clear. I can imagine many young children may have experienced this and therefore it is easy for them to identify with the character and they may feel more comfortable having these discussions! when taken at face value it tells the story of a king who is so scared of the dark he bans and his people revolt against him.

Within a few pages, the adult enjoyment really kicked in, it is rare to read a book with such an adult connection whilst staying true to the narrative and keeping it age appropriate. When the King bans the dark completely, installing an artificial sun, and enforcing "anti-dark" laws, it seems like a good idea. Use the internet or information books to find out about places in the world where at times in the year the sun doesn’t set eg North Norway. I am particularly taken by Haworth-Booth’s striking colour choices and the reversal of feelings usually attached to light and dark, which would make a lovely discussion point with children. The ancient Greeks, who did not understand the laws of physics well enough, thought that lightning was sent by the gods when they were angry.Join our community to get personalised book suggestions, extracts straight to your inbox, 10% off RRPs, and to change children’s lives.

Haworth-Booth's pencil-shaded artwork is pleasing, while her text warns gently but firmly against responding too readily to fear. A modern fairy-tale, akin to The Emperor's New Clothes, told with sophistication and paired with extraordinary beautiful illustrations in monotones, juxtaposed with vibrant yellow. But soon the novelty of all-night partying under artificial lights (including an enormous electric sun) begins to wear off as the people realise they can’t sleep under the glare of all those lightbulbs. Social media have had a huge impact on this, enabling individuals to spend big swathes of time exclusively in the circle of people who share their opinions, which gives them little cause to check out the accuracy and/or truthfulness of their assumptions.When looking at more deeply it shows how easily people with power can control those without through the use of propaganda. Eventually the king is won round to allowing back the darkness by a show of fireworks which then becomes an annual event.

I love the white light that shines from the bicycle lights, there really is so much light coming from everywhere in the picture, the artist has no where else to go but 'white'! This is also a vitally important message for democratic society today – the story reminds us that truth does exist and that it is extremely dangerous to forget it, to stop wondering what is correct and what is incorrect.This is a quick humorous story with a nice message of conquering your fears rather than avoiding what scares you and appreciating the daylight more because of the night, much the same as summer not being the same without winter. An active member of the Extinction Rebellion, Haworth-Booth shows us that power need not lie in the hands of those at the top.

Little children will identify with the king, but they’ll understand why his scheme is not a good one.If nothing is true, then no one can criticizse power, because there is no basis upon which to do so. Real changes will be instigated by thinking individuals who want to do good, especially if they have some help and don’t feel completely alone in their efforts.