DO YOU KNOW THE DARK? Exploring the unseen, unknown and unusual

MacLean paints darkness as mysterious and magical for a wondrous deep dive into the topic. An opening question sets the tone ("Do you know the dark?") before leading into brief probing lines that begin with a repeated intonation: "In the dark,/ roots grow, soil is churned,/ and seeds prepare to sprout." Alongside lyrical prose, acrylic gouache, acrylic ink, crayon, and digital illustrations offer blacklight-esque renderings of habitats including a creature-filled forest, a hibernating bear's den, and the deep ocean. Gradually, storytelling shifts from snapshots of darkness to human activities, showcasing figures interacting with bioluminescence, playing hide-and-seek, and enjoying a planetarium film. "In the dark,/ imagination blooms.../ and dreams come to visit," suggests atmospheric text, aptly highlighting a sense of possibility. Capturing something of the universe's enigmatic magnificence, this brightly imagined work illuminates the most dimly lit environments. Ages 4--8. (May)

An appealing sensory exploration of nightfall's hidden wonders. MacLean's spare, rhythmic prose--which asks what happens "in the dark" across various landscapes--creates space for her artwork to breathe and astonish. Mixed-media spreads radiate with jewel-toned colors, including purples, bright greens, and blues that transform darkness from frightening to fascinating. The compositions employ strong visual principles: Horizontal lines in mountain scenes convey stability and peace, while curving forms in underground and underwater sequences create energy and movement. Dark silhouettes in foregrounds--trees, cave formations, a child's profile--establish a sense of safety and frame the glowing mysteries beyond, making distant wonders feel approachable rather than threatening. The deep blue backgrounds recede comfortingly, while warm accent colors (amber firelight, pink coral polyps) pull focus to specific discoveries. The visual journey progresses from twilight's familiar shadows through increasingly wondrous nocturnal phenomena--moths transforming, bioluminescence gleaming, northern lights dancing--culminating in a celebration of imagination itself. Text and image work in perfect tandem: Words pose questions; art inspires magical answers. The people depicted vary in skin tone. A mesmerizing invitation to embrace night's beauty--great for bedtime shelves and budding naturalists alike.(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.