Books About Darkness · 62 titles considered

The Best Darkness Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about darkness? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Heidi Heckelbeck Might Be Afraid of the Dark

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Darkness

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2003

The City of Ember

By Jeanne DuPrau · Book #1 in the The City of Ember series

In a dimming city, two friends race against time to uncover secrets and save their world from eternal darkness.

270 pages· 59,786 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 303,188 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: In the city of Ember, the lights are fading, threatening to plunge the world into darkness. Lina and Doon discover a mysterious message that might hold the key to salvation. As they unravel its secrets, they must convince their fellow citizens to follow them into the unknown. Will they succeed before the last light goes out, or will darkness consume everything? This gripping adventure challenges them to decipher clues and face the dangers of a world on the brink.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2018

The King Who Banned the Dark

By Emily Haworth-Booth

A king bans darkness, but sleepless citizens demand change. Can he face his fears?

32 pages

6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 348 ratings

$16.95Save 6%

Summary: A young prince, terrified of the dark, becomes king and bans it entirely. Initially celebrated, his decree soon leads to chaos as sleepless citizens grow restless. As rebellion looms, can the king confront his fears and restore balance, learning that light and dark must coexist? Discover a whimsical tale of courage and transformation.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2014

Orion and the Dark

By Emma Yarlett

A boy's fear of the dark leads to an unexpected adventure.

40 pages· 707 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,713 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Orion fears the dark more than anything. But when the Dark itself visits, it takes him on a surprising journey. As they explore together, Orion discovers the wonders hidden in the shadows. Will this adventure change his perspective forever? Dive into a world where the dark isn't just something to fear, but a companion with secrets to share.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2015

Heidi Heckelbeck Might Be Afraid of the Dark

By Wanda Coven, Priscilla Burris (Illustrator) · Book #15 in the Heidi Heckelbeck series

A young girl named Heidi struggles with her fear of the dark as she prepares to spend the night at her friend Lucy's slumber party

128 pages· 4,313 words· Est. 48 min read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 292 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: Heidi Heckelbeck, a young witch, is excited for her first sleepover but dreads the dark. Armed with her spellbook, she must find a way to keep the lights on without revealing her fear. As she navigates friendship and magic, will she overcome her fear or face teasing from her peers? Join Heidi in this enchanting tale of courage and self-discovery, perfect for young readers.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2019

Kitty and the Moonlight Rescue

By Paula Harrison, Jenny Lovlie (Illustrator) · Kitty series

A young girl named Kitty goes on a nighttime adventure to rescue a kitten from a clock tower with the help of her feline friends

128 pages· 6,340 words· Est. 1 hour read

5.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,624 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Kitty, a young girl with newfound catlike powers, faces her fears when a mysterious meowing echoes from the clock tower. Guided by Figaro, a talking cat, she embarks on a night-time adventure. As Kitty braves the dark, she discovers friendship, courage, and the true essence of being a superhero. Will she solve the mystery and embrace her destiny?

Sale price

$474

Chapter Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

Bo the Brave

By Rebecca Elliott · Book #3 in the Unicorn Diaries series

A group of unicorns go on a camping trip and learn about bravery and friendship

80 pages· 2,576 words· Est. 43 min read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 669 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Summary: In Sparklegrove Forest, Bo and fellow unicorns embark on a quest to earn their Bravery Patch. Camping under the stars, they encounter eerie noises and misunderstandings with pixies. As tensions rise, they must confront the mysterious 'monsters' threatening the pixies' homes. Will Bo find the courage to stand up for others and discover the true meaning of bravery? Join this magical adventure where courage takes many forms and friendship lights the way.

Sale price

$858

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 1988

Can't You Sleep, Little Bear?

By Martin Waddell, Barbara Firth (Illustrator) · Martin Waddell's Little Bear series

A sleepless bear learns the dark isn't so scary after all.

32 pages· 975 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

5.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 7,561 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Little Bear fears the dark, but Big Bear is determined to show him there's nothing to be afraid of. As lanterns fail to comfort, Big Bear's final gesture reveals the moon and stars, offering a soothing night-time revelation. Will Little Bear find peace in the night sky's glow?

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2008

Camping Catastrophe!

By Abby Klein, John McKinley (Illustrator) · Ready, Freddy! series

Can Freddy brave the wild to avoid a week's worth of chores?

96 pages· 7,814 words· Est. 1 hour read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 209 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Summary: Freddy Thresher faces a daunting challenge: survive a camping trip to avoid losing a bet with his sister, Suzie. With the school bully, Max, doubting him and a week's worth of chores on the line, Freddy must conquer his fears and prove he's no scaredy-cat. Will he make it through the night, or will Suzie's taunts become reality? Join Freddy and his best friend Robbie on an adventure filled with suspense and unexpected twists as they navigate the wild and their own fears.

Sale price

$958

Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 1960

Bedtime for Frances

By Russell Hoban, Garth Williams (Illustrator) · Frances series

Frances battles bedtime with endless requests and imaginary creatures.

32 pages· 1,359 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud

4.1/5 Goodreads · 28,072 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Frances isn't ready for bed. She needs milk, kisses, and reassurance from her parents. But with tigers and giants lurking in her imagination, will she ever find sleep? Join Frances on her whimsical bedtime adventure, where every delay is a new discovery, and her parents' patience is tested. Can Frances conquer her fears and finally drift off to dreamland?

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 1982

The Berenstain Bears In the Dark

By Stan Berenstain, Jan Berenstain · The Berenstain Bears series

A bear cub overcomes her fear of the dark with the help of her family.

32 pages· 1,185 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

4.1/5 Goodreads · 10,626 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Summary: Sister Bear is terrified of the dark after a spooky bedtime tale. With Papa Bear's clever ideas and a comforting night light, she embarks on a journey to conquer her fears. Will Sister find the courage to sleep peacefully again? This heartwarming story invites young readers to join Sister Bear in Bear Country, where bravery and understanding light the way through the shadows. Discover how a little bear learns to face her fears and find comfort in the night.

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Darkness Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about darkness for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1699

Fox at Night

Ages 4–6 · 2021

A young fox goes on a journey to discover what is lurking in the night.

Sale price

$1599

Tiny T. Rex and the Very Dark Dark

Ages 3–5 · 2020

Two friends try to overcome their fear of the dark during a backyard campout.

Sale price

$1999

Otis and the Puppy

Ages 3–7 · 2013

A lost puppy in the dark forest challenges Otis to face his fears and find his friend.

Sale price

$1695

A Friend for Mole

Ages 2–6 · 2016

Two unlikely friends face their fears together.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$899

The Light Inside

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A jack-o'-lantern braves a dark forest to find its lost toy.

Sale price

$1695

The Dark, Dark Night

Ages 3–+ · 2008

Frog's pond is threatened by a mysterious monster. Can he uncover the truth?

Sale price

$1695

Monster Needs His Sleep

Ages 2–5 · 2014

Monster fears the dark, but a glowing solution awaits.

Sale price

$1899

The Dark

Ages 3–6 · 2013

A child faces the dark invading his room, confronting his deepest fear.

Owly & Wormy, Bright Lights and Starry Nights!

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1999

Owly & Wormy, Bright Lights and Starry Nights!

Ages 4–8 · 2012

Two friends face mysterious sounds and obstacles on a stargazing adventure. Will bravery lead them to new discoveries?

Sale price

$1699

Dragon Night

Ages 3–7 · 2019

A boy and a dragon face their fears on a magical night journey.

Sale price

$1899

The Knight Snacker

Ages 3–6 · 2023

A young knight braves the dark for a midnight snack.

Sale price

$499

Uni the Unicorn

Ages 4–6 · 2019

Can Uni turn a challenging sleepover into magical fun?

View all darkness picture books

Browse by age

Darkness Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about darkness for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1699

The Monster Who Ate Darkness

Ages 3–7 · 2008

A monster devours darkness, leaving the world in light. Can a sleepless boy help him find fulfillment?

Sale price

$1799

The Plentiful Darkness

Ages 9–12 · 2021

An orphaned girl must retrieve her stolen mirror from a starless realm where children vanish.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1299

Duck in the Dark!

Ages 6–8 · 2024

Moose and Duck must overcome differences for a winter sleepover.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1299

Really Bird, Really Scared!

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A small bird fears the sun won't rise. Can friendship ease his worries?

Sale price

$699

The Terror Behind the Mask

Ages 8–12 · 2014

A mask resembling her nightmare haunts Jasmine. Can she escape its grip?

Sale price

$599

Topaz's Spooky Night

Ages 7–10 · 2022

A dragon loses her light power and must face her fear of the dark to save her friends.

Sale price

$499

Benny's Boxcar Sleepover

Ages 6–8 · 2004

Benny's sleepover turns mysterious when everyone mentions being scared.

Sale price

$899

Astrid & Apollo and the Starry Campout

Ages 6–8 · 2020

A camping trip tests Astrid's fear of the dark. Can she overcome it when it matters most?

Sale price

$1295

Sam Wu Is Not Afraid of the Dark

Ages 7–12 · 2019

Sam faces his greatest fear: camping in the dark woods.

Sale price

$2732

Super Spooked

Ages 7–10 · 2018

Trapped in nightmares, Ellie must conquer her fear of the dark to save her friends.

Sale price

$2132

Katie Goes Camping

Ages 5–7 · 2010

Camping fun turns spooky when shadows creep in.

View all darkness chapter books

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Books about fear of the dark Books about imaginary places Books about new experiences Books about self-esteem and self-reliance Books about superheroes

Our 10 Favorite Books About Darkness

Great books, picked for their age.

Darkness Picture Books

Darkness Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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