When the Lights Went Out

Reviewed By  Grasshopper2       July 2, 2024

 

Author  Lian Tanner, illustrated by Jonathan Bentley

Distributor:      Allen and Unwin
ISBN:                 9781761180019
Publisher:         Allen and Unwin. Imprint A&U Children's
Release Date:   July 2024  

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It is a fact of life that at times our electricity supply will fail. This hard back Picture Book, When the Lights Went Out, shows how a family copes when this happens, with the young child reassured and encouraged to navigate this unusual situation.

“The night was frosty dark but we were snug and cosy in the kitchen.”  This is how the story begins, and all is safe and secure. However, when the child sees darkness all around, including in the street, there is a sense of alarm.

Mum and Dad reassure him by lighting a match and setting off to find the candles. They all move off where “shadows loomed and slanted on the stairs.” Like explorers they navigate their way in the dark until the candles are lit. Then they hear music coming from the street.

Mrs Martinez is rugged up and playing music on her guitar. The neighbours come out to chat and dance and sing. What a lovely spontaneous way to banish the darkness. Everyone is smiling and warm.

This is a great way to prepare children for the inevitable power cuts that we will experience. There is something rather sinister about the familiarity of light being removed, and this family has changed a scary situation into a fun time.

The illustrations are simple yet full of colour and expression. They are a beautiful match for the text, which is also direct and explicit. So much love exudes from the parents it is reassuring, while the red noses of all the characters show just how cold it is in a gentle, humorous way.