Read Alike: "In the Tree House" by Andrew Larsen and "Blackout" by John Rocco

Sometimes being the youngest person in your family can be lonely. Oftentimes your family members are too busy to play, or your older siblings become too "cool" to pretend and have adventures. But every once in awhile something magical happens, and people are shaken out of their normal routines. Something like a power outage in the middle of the summer, as in "Blackout" by John Rocco, and "In the Tree House" by Andrew Larsen.

In "Blackout," John Rocco tells the story of a little girl with a family that's just too busy to play with her. With vibrant, comic-style illustrations, we follow her as she wanders off to play alone until the lights go out and the family takes the time to play together and with neighbors by the glow of candles, flashlights, and stars.

Similarly, "In the Tree House" tells the tale of two brothers who excitedly built a tree house in their back yard, spending hours playing together. But when the older brother becomes too involved with his friends to play with his little brother, the little guy is left to sit out in the tree house alone, watching the lights come out around town. Once again the power goes out, and the family is able to appreciate the twinkling stars. The older brother is lured into the tree house where the two boys once again spend a magical night playing together and sharing the darkness. I particularly enjoy  illustrator Dusan Petricic's spare silhouettes of the darkened tree house and town. 

If you love beautifully illustrated stories about family togetherness and the wonder of a dark night, click on the links above to reserve a copy today. It just might inspire you to create some blackout nights in your home! Perfect for preschoolers to second graders.

--Andrea W., H.Q.