Blackout
Suddenly, one summer night in the city, while families were busy watching TV, cooking dinner, and talking on the phone—the power went out! Yet, somehow in the dark of the night, there is a heartwarming glow as one family joins in a starlit neighborhood party. They realizes that when they take a break from the busy tasks of life and slow down a little, they remember what is truly most valuable to them. The contrast of light and dark in the illustrations allows the reader to feel part of the adventure!
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
For many young children, being in the dark can be scary. This book turns a dark night into a playful family adventure! Introduce children to fun activities that can be played in the dark, such as creating shadow puppets, pretend camping, or cuddling up with a flashlight and a good book. Another enjoyable activity could be playing board games with children. Simple board games encourage turn-taking, following directions, and counting.
Many families may have experienced a blackout…but have they ever planned one? Ask families to think about what types of activities they could do together if there were no power. How would they see? What would they use? Would they try some of the activities in the story, like playing a board game, going outside, or making shadow puppets? Create a list, and ask families if they would be willing to try spending a night at home without TV, internet, telephone, video games, etc., and ask them to reflect on how it went. They might be surprised by how much fun they have together!