A Dark, Dark Tale

What do our readers think of A Dark, Dark Tale? (Generated from the text of reviews of the book)

Children enjoy the repeated words, spooky pictures and gentle suspense, often finding the story exciting without it being too frightening. Some children find the darkness and eerie atmosphere a little scary, especially on a first reading.

What does the Pageticker team say about A Dark, Dark Tale?

Ruth Brown creates wonderfully spooky suspense with very few words, atmospheric illustrations and a clever, repeating journey from moor to house. It is an excellent read-aloud for children who enjoy a gentle fright, though very sensitive children may find the darkness and creeping tension a little much.

Genres

What is A Dark, Dark Tale about?

Embark on a suspenseful journey with a black cat as it ventures through a dark, dark moor, into a dark, dark wood, and explores a dark, dark house. Each step leads deeper into shadowy corridors and hidden passages, culminating in an unexpected surprise in a dark, dark box. This beautifully illustrated tale offers gentle thrills and a delightful twist, perfect for young readers seeking a spooky adventure.

About the author

Ruth Brown is a much-loved British author and illustrator who has created many wonderful picture books for children. Her stories often feature animals and adventures, and her beautiful drawings bring them to life. One of her most famous books is 'A Dark, Dark Tale', which has delighted readers for many years.

Discussion ideas around A Dark, Dark Tale

Following the cat: What do you think makes the cat keep going into darker and darker places?

Building suspense: How do the repeated words and page turns make you feel as the story moves towards the house?

Light and dark: Which parts of the pictures feel most mysterious, and what details help you decide that?

Being brave: What does being brave mean in this story, and can someone be brave while still feeling frightened?