Luna and the Night

Like many young children, Luna is really frightened of the dark, so much so that as night invades her bedroom, she hides herself under the bed covers. 

One wintry night at bath time, Luna is unable to contain her fear any more. Instead she tells her mum how she feels. Rather than trying to push aside Luna’s fear, or somehow explain it,  Mum merely gives her a hug and says, ‘Why don’t you talk to the night. You might feel better if you tell her how you feel. I’ve heard that night is a good listener.’ So, still snuggled under her covers, Luna starts to talk very quietly to the night. As their conversation develops, the night is transformed from something terrifying into something gentle, playful and eager to get to know Luna.

Night tells the girl to close her eyes, imagine a massive blank canvas and paint on it, first with colours, and then to imagine a big puddle that she wants to jump into. Luna leaps in, sprinkling sparkling droplets of Night all over her bedroom. Thereafter, at Night’s behest, the darkness becomes the sail of a ship to transport her to Dreamland, then a gorgeous dress that takes her to dance among the stars. By this time, Luna is starting to yawn and her next question receives the response that as she’s no longer afraid and has become friends with Night, she can do anything she wants.

The child thinks about other things that scare her, things that not every child would own up to, and she decides to become better acquainted with these too. Finally Night and Luna bid one another ‘Goodnight’ and Luna drifts off into slumberland.

This gentle, thoughtful story with its luminous illustrations is ideal for sharing with youngsters who, like Luna, feel ill-ease as dark descends. This would be a good book to start conversations with your own children or those in your class, who may be anxious about something.