Books About Darkness · 68 titles considered

The Best Darkness Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Darkness

The City of Ember
Sale price
$958
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 Goodreads · 304,902 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
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.
The King Who Banned the Dark
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·4.2/5 Goodreads · 351 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Hardcover
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.
Orion and the Dark
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·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,723 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
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.
Heidi Heckelbeck Might Be Afraid of the Dark
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 Goodreads · 296 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
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.
Kitty and the Moonlight Rescue
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2019

Kitty and the Moonlight Rescue

By Paula Harrison, Jenny Lovlie (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the 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·4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,676 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
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?
Bo the Brave
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 Goodreads · 688 ratings
$4.99Save 5%
Paperback
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.
Can't You Sleep, Little Bear?
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.

Kate Greenaway Medal (1988)
32 pages· 975 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
5.3/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 7,597 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
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?
Camping Catastrophe!
Sale price
$574
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2008

Camping Catastrophe!

By Abby Klein, John McKinley (Illustrator) · Book #14 in the 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 Goodreads · 212 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
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.
Bedtime for Frances
Sale price
$958
Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 1960

Bedtime for Frances

By Russell Hoban, Garth Williams (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Frances series

Frances battles bedtime with endless requests and imaginary creatures.

32 pages· 1,359 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud
4.1 Goodreads · 28,103 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
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?
Lucia and the Light
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2006

Lucia and the Light

By Phyllis Root, Mary GrandPré (Illustrator)

When the sun fails to rise, a brave girl sets out to bring it back.

40 pages· 1,622 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud
4.1 Goodreads · 302 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Lucia and her family live a snug life in a cabin high in the mountains of the Far North. Then one day the wind screams and the sun does not rise. Someone has stolen the sun! As the cold and dark deepen, Lucia sets out across the snow with her baby sister and their cat to find it and bring back the light.
Ages 3–6Picture Book Club

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Browse by age

Darkness Picture Books

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

Fox at Night
Series
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.

A Friend for Mole
Sale price
$1695

A Friend for Mole

Ages 2–6 · 2016

Two unlikely friends face their fears together.

The Light Inside
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.

The Dark, Dark Night
Sale price
$1695

The Dark, Dark Night

Ages 3–+ · 2008

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

The Dark
Sale price
$1899

The Dark

Ages 3–6 · 2013

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

Dragon Night
Sale price
$1699

Dragon Night

Ages 3–7 · 2019

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

The Knight Snacker
Sale price
$1899

The Knight Snacker

Ages 3–6 · 2023

A young knight braves the dark for a midnight snack.

View all darkness picture books
Browse by age

Darkness Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about darkness for developing and independent readers.

The Monster Who Ate Darkness
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?

The Plentiful Darkness
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.

Oh, Deer!
#6 in Series
Sale price
$799

Oh, Deer!

Ages 5–9 · 2026

A puppy hunting for a monster finds a dark cave, but his friend is too scared to enter.

View all darkness chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about fear of the darkBooks about imaginary placesBooks about new experiencesBooks about self-esteem and self-relianceBooks about superheroes