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The Darkest Dark



Last updated Monday, April 4, 2022

Author: Chris Hadfield
Illustrator: Kate Fillion and The Fan Brothers
Date of Publication: 2016
ISBN: 0316394726
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Apr. 2022

Synopsis: Inspired by the childhood of real-life astronaut Chris Hadfield and brought to life by Terry and Eric Fan's lush, evocative illustrations, The Darkest Dark will encourage readers to dream the impossible.

Chris loves rockets and planets and pretending he's a brave astronaut, exploring the universe. Only one problem - at night, Chris doesn't feel so brave. He's afraid of the dark.

But when he watches the groundbreaking moon landing on TV, he realizes that space is the darkest dark there is - and the dark is beautiful and exciting, especially when you have big dreams to keep you company.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What do you see on the book cover?
•  How do you feel about the dark?
•  If you had a dog, what would you name them?

Vocabulary:

•  Astronaut - a person trained to travel in a spaceship
•  Alien - being from other worlds, extraterrestrial
•  Nervous - worried, apprehensive, anxious
•  Explore - to go somewhere to learn about new things
•  Mystery - something that is difficult to understand or explain
•  Gravity - the force that attracts the body towards the ground/center of the earth

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Have you seen a man on the moon? You can show this 2 minute 29 second video to the kids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwZb2mqId0A/
•  How do you feel about the dark? What does it feel like to be nervous?

Craft ideas:
•  Make a paper rocket using a bendable straw and one square sheet of paper https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FTO2xtmoZQ/
•  Draw a rocket
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/april-2022the-wonders-of-science-technology//
•  Check this website for more suggestions: http://readingtokids.org/ReadingClubs/CraftTips.php

Special activities:
•  Watch video, link above

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!