Love this illustrator! Glad to see her involved in more work! (It's a lovely story, too). ( )

A young girl narrates the story of her long walk to catch the schoolbus in this lovely wintertime picture-book from author Caroline Woodward and illustrator Julie Morstad. The tale is told in rhyme, and chronicles the early morning darkness through which the girl must travel, and the noises and sights that frighten her. Fortunately, she is able to sing away the dark - to sing away her fear...

Although I wouldn't describe the text as particularly memorable, I did find the narrative of Singing Away the Dark quite engaging, and appreciated the central idea of using song to conquer one's fears. The artwork, on the other hand, is simply gorgeous, and won me over completely. Morstad makes excellent use of the white space on her page - appropriately enough, given the wintry setting - and the resulting contrast between the snowy vistas and the other elements (the trees, the girl, etc.) is powerfully realized. My favorite scene was undoubtedly the one (partially captured on the cover of the book) in which the girl walks through the birch trees. Recommended to anyone who loves beautiful picture-book art, or who is looking for stories about winter and/or children conquering their fears. ( )

52 months - I think this is one that maybe appeals more to adults than kids. Good but O wasn't begging to read it again and again. ( )

The brave main character of this little tale tells the story of her mile-long walk to the school bus stop each morning. She meets many perils, including walking in the darkness, through the forest, among many dangerous animals. But she doesn’t allow herself to be afraid; instead, she sings the dark away.

It is revealed in the information about the author that she actually did walk a mile each morning to the bus stop. By reading this story, children can see a strategy for dealing with difficulties in a positive way. ( )

REVIEW: "Its a windy winter morning, and a little girl has to walk a mile to catch the school bus. Along the way she faces wire gates, dark shadowy woods, a bull grazing with the cattle, and wickedly cold wind. Will she be able to sing her way through the dark morning? Lilting rhyming text by Caroline Woodward and stunning paintings by Julie Morstad create the look and feel of a classic picture book." www.amazon.com
SOURCE: Pierce College Library
AGE: 4-8