Bill Cosby has worked his magic once again. One Dark And Scary Night addresses a child's fear of the dark. Reading this book I can almost hear him telling this story out loud. One Dark And Scary Night is one of several books in the Little Bill Books For Beginning Readers written by Bill Cosby.
Mr. Cosby wrote this series of books as a tribute to his son Ennis. Ennis Cosby’s life was cut short one late night while changing a tire on the side of a highway. An armed robbery turned to murder as Ennis was shot in the head. I think these books are a loving show of devotion to family. I admire the work that Mr. & Mrs. Cosby are carrying on in tribute to their son.
Ennis was a teacher. He had a master’s degree in education and was working on his doctorate when he died. His dream was to found a school for children with learning differences. You see Ennis had the learning difference called dyslexia and he wanted to teach others how to feel good about themselves and show them they too could succeed. Thus came the reason for Mr. Cosby writing this series of books. For Children. For Ennis.
On a recent trip to our public library our seven-year-old son signed out several books. He is becoming quite a little reader and just a month ago read his first chapter novel. Looking for some shorter books that he could read before lights out at night we came across the Little Bill series.
One Dark And Scary Night
The edition our son signed out is a paper back book published by Scholastic INC. Our library has covered the binding with a clear plastic covering similar to contact paper. This in done in hopes of extending the life of the book. The book is about ten inches tall and six inches wide. Small enough for a young reader to hold yet large enough for the wonderful illustrations to be enjoyed.
Varnette P. Honeywood has illustrated this and other books in the Little Bill series. Her illustrations are bright and colorful. Unlike some children’s books you will find her artwork does match the storyline fully. There are both partial and full-page illustrations some with text printed directly over top. I think these bright and express pictures help keep a young child interested in reading. Often times a budding reader will feel overwhelmed by books with little or no pictures. With this book you get a great story, wonderful pictures and chapters so your little one can brag and tell everyone one “I read a chapter book!”. Yeah!!!
In the front of the book before the story starts you will find a letter written to parents. Alvin F. Poussaint, MD, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School and Judge Baker Children’s Center, Boston, MA, writes the letter
Dr. Poussaint discuss’ a child’s imagination and the good and bad sides of it. In most cases a vivid imagination will enhance a child’s life there is still the downside of it. Late at night while lying in bed, the wind is blowing; a cat is meo-o-o-wing down the street. :bang: The lid is knocked off the trashcan. While an adult knows what these sounds are (usually) a child will often be frightened. Dr. Poussaint explains ways to comfort your child if you should find this a problem in your home.
Chapter One
Little Bill introduces himself in his friendly way. Little Bill explains to us that he is going to tell us a scary story - and it is true!
He goes on to explain that late one night when the entire family is in bed asleep - he is awake lying in his bed in his own bedroom. All by himself. At first the room is very dark and quiet. Then he notices a light moving across his wall. Is that headlight from a car? :thump: What was that? Was that sound a tree hitting up against the house?
Maybe, maybe not....
The strange light moves across the wall once again. He notices his closet door is open. Open? What was that?!? Something moved in the closet? Ut oh! Holding his breath he lay very still - afraid to move an inch. Suddenly he flew out of bed, down the hall and into the safety of his parent’s bed.
Chapter Two
His mom brought him back to his room. She showed him his closet with the light on. Telling him it was past his bedtime she tucked him into bed and returned down the hall to her own room. Little Bill couldn’t fall asleep. As before he lay in his bed very scared of that thing which he was sure was in his closet.
No longer able to hold his breath so it wouldn’t hear him he jumped from bed gulped some air and ran down the hall to his Great Grandmas bedroom. In a way only Bill Cosby can execute he enables the reader to visualize Little Bill trying his hardest to convince his Grandma that he has to sleep in her room for his own safety.
Great Grandma being the wise woman she is knows it’s best for Little Bill to overcome his fear. Walking him back down the hallway to his bedroom she assures him that he will be o.k. in his bed - he’s “a big boy now”. They go into his room together to investigate for it which scares him so. Great Grandma even went so far as to sit on the closet floor with Little Bill to show him it was safe in there. It was time for Little Bill to go back to bed.
Flying back down the hall to Great Grandma’s room he ran wildly through the door. Its back! It can only come out after you leave he told her. Great Grandma got back up from her bed. She knew she had to set his fears to ease. Patiently she reasons with him and gently reminds him that it hasn’t hurt anyone else in the family.
Chapter Three
Great Grandma tells him to think of fun and happy things. Then she fixes his “blanket in a magical way” the same way she fixes her own blanket at night. She leaves the light on for Little Bill and offers to stay until he goes to sleep. He decides to tough it out this time on his own. As he drifts off to sleep he once again hears the noises but this time he knows what the sounds are - just normal everyday creaks and squeaks that everyone’s home has.
Chapter Four
It’s finally morning. The sun is shinning brightly as Little Bill greets his Great Grandma. He gives his Great Grandma a hug and tells her how well he slept! Now he knows what to do at night when he goes to bed. Little Bill thanks his Great Grandma for sharing her magic (technique) with him. He’s a big boy now!
My Thoughts On One Dark And Scary Night
This is a thourghly enjoyable story. While reading this story I could almost hear Mr. Cosby telling the story. I enjoyed this so much I even read parts of this to my husband. While I did explain much of the story Mr. Cosby has added expression and humor in a way that is truly enjoyable for the entire family.
I think all parents at one time or another have dealt with a child who is afraid of the sounds and darkness. My youngest has been the most difficult with this - but that could be because we co-slept until he was two. There have been rare occasions when one of the older boys has awoken and slept on the couch outside of my bedroom door because they are afraid. They don’t wake me up - they just drag their blanket down the hall finding comfort somehow being closer to mom. This usually happens when the roommate is away with a friend for the night.
My son really enjoyed this book. He loved to read and talk about this story of Little Bill who is a little boy just about his age. He also found the book humorous and gave some thought to those sounds and lights he had heard and seen in his own room late at night.
Who Would I Recommend This Book For?
This book is labeled for ages 6-10. While my son sped through this he is an advanced reader entering second grade in the fall. I think this book would be fantastic read to a kindergarten or first grade child in a group setting or for a bedtime story. An older child or advanced reader should be able to read this book on his or her own. Words that you will find in this book would include; dangerous, screaming & knocking. If you’re child can read those words they should be able to read this book unassisted.
My eleven-year-old read this book last night when I took a break from writing this review. The kids always want to know what I am writing about. Seth thought it was a fun book and a great idea for his little brother to read. I think it took Seth about ten minutes to read this book. Noah read this book to me in under twenty minutes.
I feel comfortable recommending for most children aged 5-8. In all honesty reading skills are focused on strongly not only in our home but in our school system. I think a child in the upper elementary grades would not pick up this book to read because it is and looks like a beginning reader.
I would also recommend this book for a baby shower gift. In the past I have sometimes included toddler/preschool books for the parents with a gift. An expectant Mom or Dad may enjoy a chuckle and like having this addition to little Jr’s bookcase.
If you are interested in other Little Bill Books For Beginning Readers please visit my other reviews on this series.
Thank you,
Laurie
*Note: There is a cartoon program of Little Bill aired on Nick Jr.
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