afro8921's review
5.0
The story start out as a classic "who's afraid of the dark" "sleep in your own bed" tale but changes as a child's experience viewing Neil Armstrong's walk on the moon takes center stage. The illustrations are fascinating and require another viewing. I would suggest doing a book walk first and then reading the text. It's also a great read for older children, as it provides some background information about the Canadian Space program.
circleofreadersdruid's review
5.0
I loved the flavor of this picture book biography. It showed a vignette from the subject’s childhood when he was afraid of the dark and what it might contain, then contrasted that with an epiphany he had while watching the moon landing in 1969. I’m a big back matter fan, so I really enjoyed having several pages with photos and blurbs and such. A-one artwork: I love the Fan brothers; they’re the reason I checked out this book. Their aliens are adorable.
left_unsupervised's review
3.0
I was expecting something different when I started reading the story. The story was good overall, but I enjoyed the author info the most. It was pretty cool seeing how the story and illustrations matched the author's childhood and life.
segza's review
5.0
Excellent children's book! I've bought this a for a few friends who have kiddos and figured I should read it so I can discuss it intelligently with the 3 year old who has proclaimed it's his favourite book. No regrets! Great story told by a modern Canadian hero, the astronaut Chris Hadfield, about overcoming one's fear of the dark, and more importantly fear of all the aliens that come out in the dark. Also has themes/lessons about pursuing your ambitions, finding opportunities in everyday events, not being too annoying to your overtired parents, and having a furry side kick for all your adventures!
christinaple's review
5.0
One thing that I love about children's books is that they tell meaningful stories in only a few pages. And of course, having beautiful illustrations to complement the story is a bonus. "The Darkest Dark" is about achieving our dreams and to find courage to surpass any obstacles that come in our way. It's inspiring to young children as well as the grownups that read the story to them. I absolutely recommend having this book in any children's personal library, both boys and girls! Who knows, maybe they will become the next great space explorer.
allysunsun's review
5.0
As a library programmer this book is a great read for children and even adults! With this book Chris Hadfield shows us that anything you can dream you can achieve if only you put in a little time and effort!
On a side note I'm using this book as an ice breaker in a STEM program that's about space and I would highly recommend it!
On a side note I'm using this book as an ice breaker in a STEM program that's about space and I would highly recommend it!
snazel's review
3.0
Why bother to be scared of the dark in your room when the endless void exists in space where you're heading?
beckks's review against another edition
5.0
5/5
This is a really cute book! The illustrations are incredible, the message is fantastic, and the language is not that hard to understand if you don't speak French.
I highly recommend!
This is a really cute book! The illustrations are incredible, the message is fantastic, and the language is not that hard to understand if you don't speak French.
I highly recommend!
pwbalto's review
5.0
I am a total sucker for the space program. And whenever I see a picture of Chris Hadfield in his white spacesuit with the Canadian flag patch on the arm, I think he looks like a backpacker in Europe prominently advertising the fact that he is not from the USA. "Hello whatever aliens might be out there!" it says. "Don't judge me on the basis of being a native English speaker - I'm Canadian! And therefore much less likely to barf all over your venerable monuments!"
So it was a given that I would think this book, about little Chris and his fear of the dark, was marvelous even if the story wasn't sharp and sweet and the illustrations weren't terrific. All of which is the case, so.
So it was a given that I would think this book, about little Chris and his fear of the dark, was marvelous even if the story wasn't sharp and sweet and the illustrations weren't terrific. All of which is the case, so.
dayfree's review against another edition
4.0
Couldn't find an English version but luckily I'm Canadian and have the mandatory 6 years of French classes under my belt. Seriously though, this was so cute. I love Chris Hadfield and honestly I'm like 99% sure that he's the best person alive.