Do You Know the Dark? Exploring the Unseen, Unknown, and Unusual

MacLean paints darkness as mysterious and magical for a wondrous deep dive into the topic. An opening question sets the tone (“Do you know the dark?”) before leading into brief probing lines that begin with a repeated intonation: “In the dark,/ roots grow, soil is churned,/ and seeds prepare to sprout.” Alongside lyrical prose, acrylic gouache, acrylic ink, crayon, and digital illustrations offer blacklight-esque renderings of habitats including a creature-filled forest, a hibernating bear’s den, and the deep ocean. Gradually, storytelling shifts from snapshots of darkness to human activities, showcasing figures interacting with bioluminescence, playing hide-and-seek, and enjoying a planetarium film. “In the dark,/ imagination blooms.../ and dreams come to visit,” suggests atmospheric text, aptly highlighting a sense of possibility. Capturing something of the universe’s enigmatic magnificence, this brightly imagined work illuminates the most dimly lit environments. Ages 4–8. (May)