What do you think?
In the Dark
With striking illustrations that will make your soul fly and spare text that will make your heart dance, this lyrical picturebook encourages us to set aside our snap judgements and quiet our fears of the unknown by shining light on what has been kept in the dark.
They came in the dark,
and took the narrow path
that only witches used.
Everyone said that’s what they were . . .
But what if everyone was wrong? Watch what happens when one girl steps into the woods and gets to know these newcomers. The spooky black cat? Meet Mingus! The broomsticks and cloaks? Cloth and wooden handles. And those shadows in the sky? Handmade kites, fluttering in the breeze.
When the breeze becomes a blustery storm, everything changes...including first impressions.
Told from two perspectives, here is a gentle and timely reminder that all it takes to bridge the gap of misunderstanding and fear between people is an open and willing heart.
They came in the dark,
and took the narrow path
that only witches used.
Everyone said that’s what they were . . .
But what if everyone was wrong? Watch what happens when one girl steps into the woods and gets to know these newcomers. The spooky black cat? Meet Mingus! The broomsticks and cloaks? Cloth and wooden handles. And those shadows in the sky? Handmade kites, fluttering in the breeze.
When the breeze becomes a blustery storm, everything changes...including first impressions.
Told from two perspectives, here is a gentle and timely reminder that all it takes to bridge the gap of misunderstanding and fear between people is an open and willing heart.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published August 29, 2023
About the author
Kate Hoefler
14 books19 followersKate Hoefler received her BA in English and creative writing from Ohio University, and her MFA in poetry from the University of Michigan, where she studied as a Colby Fellow. She is the author of Real Cowboys, Great Big Things, and Rabbit and the Motorbike (with more forthcoming). She makes her home in the rolling hills of Ohio with her two children, a young dog, and an old cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
September 18, 2023
Mister picked this one to read before bed. He was fascinated by the difference in the layout and the style. He loved how it went back and forth and then changed at the end when understanding came. He especially loved Mingus, the cat. We talked about how people can be afraid of what they don't understand, making them act out. There is so much that could be unpacked here yet I try not to read too deeply into what is a children's picture book. We loved this celebration of light over the dark.
January 8, 2024
Woah
So vibey
Immaculate vibes
Really interesting voice and the art is gorgeous
Strange to see a kids book with this level of haughty poetry, but cool I think
And the author is a creative writing major from right here in Ohio which is cool
I really like as well the strange horizontal chopped canvas; the book opens and reads from top to bottom rather than side to side.
It feels very high-brow, ‘artsy for the sake of being artsy,’ which I thoroughly approve of seeing in kids literature where it can be taken at curious face value.
4.5 ⭐️s, sacrifices hard-hitting clarity for moody atmosphere, but in a way that satisfies. Exciting to have a deep discussion with a thoughtful kiddo.
So vibey
Immaculate vibes
Really interesting voice and the art is gorgeous
Strange to see a kids book with this level of haughty poetry, but cool I think
And the author is a creative writing major from right here in Ohio which is cool
I really like as well the strange horizontal chopped canvas; the book opens and reads from top to bottom rather than side to side.
It feels very high-brow, ‘artsy for the sake of being artsy,’ which I thoroughly approve of seeing in kids literature where it can be taken at curious face value.
4.5 ⭐️s, sacrifices hard-hitting clarity for moody atmosphere, but in a way that satisfies. Exciting to have a deep discussion with a thoughtful kiddo.
November 28, 2023
The illustrations are gorgeous, but the story was confusing for both myself and my 9 year-old. I see what the author was trying to do, but it just didn't quite come through.
April 1, 2024
Two narrators tell a story of observation and assumption and eventually come together in unity and community. This is the kind of book you read 100 times and get something new out of it every time. It also might be the kind of book you need to read twice before you really get it, as I did. Expect some conversations with your kid about it. The artwork is a true delight and the text is richly poetic.
On my first read, I found it difficult to read aloud because it calls for two different voices. Italics and colors differentiate them. But once you settle into what is happening, the magic of the book reveals itself in the colors that start green and purple distinctly and eventually merge into multicolored pages just as the people in the story intermix, support, and inspire one another. I also found page turns difficult because of the size and sideways formatting of the book. But once you wear in the story from a few reads and loosen the binding, it gets easier, and it's sure to delight kids to see format played with in that way.
On my first read, I found it difficult to read aloud because it calls for two different voices. Italics and colors differentiate them. But once you settle into what is happening, the magic of the book reveals itself in the colors that start green and purple distinctly and eventually merge into multicolored pages just as the people in the story intermix, support, and inspire one another. I also found page turns difficult because of the size and sideways formatting of the book. But once you wear in the story from a few reads and loosen the binding, it gets easier, and it's sure to delight kids to see format played with in that way.
September 15, 2023
I wasn’t sure about the landscape orientation, but it makes complete sense- we’re starting off physically narrow. When something is unfamiliar to us, generally, we create our own beliefs to explain it. When we have a better understanding, we (should) give ourselves room to change our mind. The “dark” is comprised of shadows of things that look like something else, people often assume sinister things. When we have more light (more knowledge) we can see things as they really are. When there’s clarity and understanding there can be connection and community. Luyken’s illustrations are so beautiful and heavy, needing stock that’s equally heavy in order to support the contrast of light and dark on the pages. She created her amazing illustrations with ink, gouache, watercolor, pastel, and both graphite and colored pencil. Such a rich and gorgeous book.
November 26, 2023
Told from two perspectives—the townsfolk and the "witches" haunting the nearby woods—this unconventional picture book examines the dangers of making assumptions, and of allowing fear to cloud our judgment. As the townsfolk describe the fearsome things they witness, from a procession of witches entering the forest with their brooms to the sight of them flying through the air, the actual people they are seeing describe their nighttime kite-flying expeditions. When finally the two groups meet, misunderstanding is put to rest...
Published earlier this year (2023), In the Dark is the second collaboration between author Kate Hoefler and illustrator Corinna Luyken, after their 2020 Nothing in Common . As it happens, I sought it out because I have enjoyed some of Luyken's other work, and because I was intrigued by the theme of witches who aren't witches, given my interest in witchy picture book fare. I think that the central idea here—that we can leap to the wrong conclusion, based on insufficient information and shallow first impressions—is one that is good to explore, and I appreciated the fact that the author and illustrator chose to center their story around witches, as accusations of witchcraft against unconventional or even difficult women was an all-too-common occurrence, in ages past. I also liked the way in which the book was designed—the spine is at the top, and the wide pages are made to be turned upward, as one reads it—and thought the artwork, made using ink, watercolor, gouache, pastel, pencil and colored pencil, was well-suited to the tale, emphasizing the sense of mystery throughout. All this said, somehow I found that the whole here didn't speak as strongly to me as I had hoped. Although I understand that the idea here is to highlight the two perspectives, I think the text was too abbreviated to really get involved, emotionally speaking. Tastes vary, of course, so other picture book readers might feel differently. I'd recommend this one primarily for personal or one-on-one reading, given the unusual physical parameters of the book, and the thoughtful ideas being explored, as I think it is too complex a book for a successful story hour with a group.
Published earlier this year (2023), In the Dark is the second collaboration between author Kate Hoefler and illustrator Corinna Luyken, after their 2020 Nothing in Common . As it happens, I sought it out because I have enjoyed some of Luyken's other work, and because I was intrigued by the theme of witches who aren't witches, given my interest in witchy picture book fare. I think that the central idea here—that we can leap to the wrong conclusion, based on insufficient information and shallow first impressions—is one that is good to explore, and I appreciated the fact that the author and illustrator chose to center their story around witches, as accusations of witchcraft against unconventional or even difficult women was an all-too-common occurrence, in ages past. I also liked the way in which the book was designed—the spine is at the top, and the wide pages are made to be turned upward, as one reads it—and thought the artwork, made using ink, watercolor, gouache, pastel, pencil and colored pencil, was well-suited to the tale, emphasizing the sense of mystery throughout. All this said, somehow I found that the whole here didn't speak as strongly to me as I had hoped. Although I understand that the idea here is to highlight the two perspectives, I think the text was too abbreviated to really get involved, emotionally speaking. Tastes vary, of course, so other picture book readers might feel differently. I'd recommend this one primarily for personal or one-on-one reading, given the unusual physical parameters of the book, and the thoughtful ideas being explored, as I think it is too complex a book for a successful story hour with a group.
February 8, 2025
This one is easily overlooked for its simplicity and unusual format (must read it turned flipping pages up).
Two girls peer into the dark forest from different directions, with two different perspectives. The blond-haired girl with braids looks at the forest as a sinister place with witches; the dark haired girl lives within the forest, so looks at this place as home. Curious, the blond-haired girls heads into the forest and sees how incorrect her assumptions were of what she saw outside of the forest.
Hoefler's spare text is lyrical, very poetic and image-making. She shows the blond-haired girl grow in her understanding of her world and realization not to make assumptions on what she sees.
The overall look of the book is dark and spooky - which is what the blond-haired girl sees when she looks in the forest. Her world has yellow/green skies; the dark-haired girl lives in a place with pink/purple/yellow skies. When the two come to understand and appreciate the other, the sky is golden yellow.
This book would make an excellent choice to surround a discussion on making assumptions of others based on appearances or actions along.
Recommended for PreSchool-grade 2.
Two girls peer into the dark forest from different directions, with two different perspectives. The blond-haired girl with braids looks at the forest as a sinister place with witches; the dark haired girl lives within the forest, so looks at this place as home. Curious, the blond-haired girls heads into the forest and sees how incorrect her assumptions were of what she saw outside of the forest.
Hoefler's spare text is lyrical, very poetic and image-making. She shows the blond-haired girl grow in her understanding of her world and realization not to make assumptions on what she sees.
The overall look of the book is dark and spooky - which is what the blond-haired girl sees when she looks in the forest. Her world has yellow/green skies; the dark-haired girl lives in a place with pink/purple/yellow skies. When the two come to understand and appreciate the other, the sky is golden yellow.
This book would make an excellent choice to surround a discussion on making assumptions of others based on appearances or actions along.
Recommended for PreSchool-grade 2.
September 19, 2023
With its unique size--about half the size of the standard picture book--and format--opening from top to bottom, this picture book also explores the assumptions we make about others. Using two different narrative strands that come together to reveal the truth about what's happening in the woods during the dark hours. In some respects the text speaks to the dangers of gossip or believing what others claim is true about a certain group. In the end those scary brooms, witches, and a black cat turn out to be far less threatening than has been surmised. Youngsters will appreciate the way the tension builds over the course of the pages, only to have it released in a surprising way. The text and illustrations, created with ink, watercolor, gouache, pastel, pencil, and colored pencil, work together to delive this story and its important message in a suspenseful way. This title might be useful for a lesson on perspective or alongside some of those popular images that look one way or another depending on how someone examines them. And isn't that a great reminder for all of us? What we think we see, hear or know about someone or a group of individuals may be nowhere close to the truth.
October 10, 2023
A beautiful picture book for adults, those who want to look at artwork, or who want to discuss alternate-format picture books (This one is read horizontally, opening with the spine at the top.)
Not recommended for school or children's library purchase. It does not work as a read aloud - there is too much explaining, and probably the best thing to do would be to read it twice, once reading the "regular" text on each page (representing one person's point of view), and once reading the italicized version (representing the kite makers' point of view). Trying to read all the text at once is confusing and children won't see the point. (The point is to "look closer at something and not just take someone's word for it.") In the story, children and adults who are kite makers are seen taking cloth and wooden dowels into the woods - they are not witches, as others believe, they're kite flyers. (So why are they going to the woods? Another question I have. Kite flyers would go to an open valley or seashore.)
Not recommended for school or children's library purchase. It does not work as a read aloud - there is too much explaining, and probably the best thing to do would be to read it twice, once reading the "regular" text on each page (representing one person's point of view), and once reading the italicized version (representing the kite makers' point of view). Trying to read all the text at once is confusing and children won't see the point. (The point is to "look closer at something and not just take someone's word for it.") In the story, children and adults who are kite makers are seen taking cloth and wooden dowels into the woods - they are not witches, as others believe, they're kite flyers. (So why are they going to the woods? Another question I have. Kite flyers would go to an open valley or seashore.)
June 9, 2023
I received a digital ARC from the publisher for my honest review.
There are witches in the woods… or are they? This wonderful book takes us to both sides of the story of witches, the community that celebrates nature, the forest, and the birds and the community that fears them out of ignorance. I think this is such an important book. As adults, many of us know the true, sad story of the Salem Witch trials and this is the first children’s book that I have seen that appropriately tackles the subject. Even though they do refer to the forest community as witches, this book can easily translate to any culture that is new to another, a plea for learning about a new culture before embracing fear. Added with the sideways layout and the moody, beautiful illustrations, this is a wonderful book for Halloween or anytime of the year to learn how to recognize that people are just people.
There are witches in the woods… or are they? This wonderful book takes us to both sides of the story of witches, the community that celebrates nature, the forest, and the birds and the community that fears them out of ignorance. I think this is such an important book. As adults, many of us know the true, sad story of the Salem Witch trials and this is the first children’s book that I have seen that appropriately tackles the subject. Even though they do refer to the forest community as witches, this book can easily translate to any culture that is new to another, a plea for learning about a new culture before embracing fear. Added with the sideways layout and the moody, beautiful illustrations, this is a wonderful book for Halloween or anytime of the year to learn how to recognize that people are just people.
April 1, 2024
To really understand the story of this book, it has to be read 3 times minimum. The first time has to just the top pages. The second time just the bottom pages. Then the third time top and then bottom page. Each time it is read tells the story from a different perspective. There are two Narrators. As you read this story their stories start separate and then intertwine. While this does seem like a lot of instruction just to read the book, it creates a unique reading experience. After reading the words the magic of the art work starts to pop. The stories start out as green and purple separately and then blend together. All this lends itself to great conversations with readers about art, storytelling, and what it means to be afraid of something you don’t understand.
Recommended for ages 8-12 by the SEPA School Library Book Reviewers.
Recommended for ages 8-12 by the SEPA School Library Book Reviewers.
August 9, 2023
In the Dark uses a clever format to present the idea that what we sometimes think we may have seen may actually be something else given another perspective. The book actually is laid out in a horizonal format. The top page presents an image that is described in one way while the bottom page usually shows another interpretation of the same event. Using minimal text that is poetically written and dark shadowy illustrations with contrasting lighter sections, the reader can explore the way things can be seen from different perspectives. This book is unlike many typical picture books both in its narrative and illustrative style along with its atypical format and would be a good addition to a school or home collection.
April 8, 2024
Here is a skinny picture book told horizontal instead of vertically. On the top is told from one perspective of people and on the bottom is a different group of people's perspective.
What strikes me about this story is the artwork. Somehow, the artwork does all the work and carries this story. I felt like the artwork was wonderful. So much color and it was able to convey sort of fear and anxiety and then understanding.
I feel like the author had a good idea about trying to understand differences in people instead of being afraid of them, but I don't feel like it was executed very well and it was confusing. Without the artwork, this story wouldn't work. This just didn't come through the way they wanted I don't think.
The artwork was so awesome it still gets 4 stars.
What strikes me about this story is the artwork. Somehow, the artwork does all the work and carries this story. I felt like the artwork was wonderful. So much color and it was able to convey sort of fear and anxiety and then understanding.
I feel like the author had a good idea about trying to understand differences in people instead of being afraid of them, but I don't feel like it was executed very well and it was confusing. Without the artwork, this story wouldn't work. This just didn't come through the way they wanted I don't think.
The artwork was so awesome it still gets 4 stars.
October 1, 2025
3.5 stars. An eminently striking little book, this has an unusual horizontal arrangement, dark but dreamy and vibrant art that's as good as the cover promises, and alternates PoVs between townsfolk and the kinda-sorta-witches of the woods. The differing perspectives are colored by negative assumptions which are then are ameliorated by acceptance and cultural engagement, so it's pretty on the nose. But the two perspectives and the whimsical cultural exchange presented in the brevity of a picture book and the author's poetic style is, frankly, confusing at worst and distant at best; it doesn't cohere. A pity! Because just look at it: beautiful.
Although I'm so tired of outdoor cats in picture books in 2023, y'all.
Although I'm so tired of outdoor cats in picture books in 2023, y'all.
August 30, 2023
Me, as an adult reader, loved this picture book. The verse was soothing and evocative and created a mood and sent a message without being didactic. The illustrations were incredibly atmospheric -- beautiful and a little spooky. The trim size and direction of this book were so interesting and unique and suited the two perspectives of the illustrations and texts. This is a visually interesting and evocative picture book. It would be wonderful to talk about when talking about picture book design and visual literacy. I love it and the message it delivers. I just can't imagine sharing it with most children, which is a bummer.
September 3, 2023
Borrowed from my local library, but will be purchasing for my 4/5th grade classroom. I’m already a big fan of Luyken’s illustrations, and this one does not disappoint.
First, the layout. The horizontal format of the picture book lends itself to storytelling from two points of view. The townsfolk tell their story across the top of the pages, and the “witches” along the bottom, coming together before the book ends.
The illustrations are dark and a bit spooky, yet gorgeous. Perfect fall read!
Finally, the message is there for readers to figure out. Learn the truth about something before spreading rumors and fear.
Loved!
First, the layout. The horizontal format of the picture book lends itself to storytelling from two points of view. The townsfolk tell their story across the top of the pages, and the “witches” along the bottom, coming together before the book ends.
The illustrations are dark and a bit spooky, yet gorgeous. Perfect fall read!
Finally, the message is there for readers to figure out. Learn the truth about something before spreading rumors and fear.
Loved!
September 20, 2023
Two groups, gathering in the dark, one in the sky, witches? The other watching birds and flying kites in the sky? Hoefler tells the story with the two voices while Luyken's illustrations bring the story from the darkness into a satisfying "light in the dark". It's lovely to "see" and celebrate the images, with lots of silhouettes, as they first appear mysterious with only a hint of truth. Then as the story unfolds, readers will begin to understand this message of belonging. I love that the book is published horizontally. This will make a terrific discussion after a read-aloud!
Read
August 14, 2024I love the concept of two perspectives slowly melding into one. What starts as two strangers and two groups becomes fast friends helping each other, but along the way there are ample opportunities to discuss what one group sees versus what the other group is doing, and how two people can see the same thing in different ways.
Luyken's illustrations are always dynamic and offer layers of meaning and more things to see beyond just the first impression, so they fit well into this premise.
This is a story to read with someone, or to discuss afterward. What did you see in the pages?
Luyken's illustrations are always dynamic and offer layers of meaning and more things to see beyond just the first impression, so they fit well into this premise.
This is a story to read with someone, or to discuss afterward. What did you see in the pages?
September 17, 2024
This Halloween tale lives up to its title, requiring some knowledge about the Salem witch trials to understand the poetic allusions and the significance of the dual narration. Moreover, the book’s small size and landscape orientation make it quite a challenge to hold the book open while reading to youngsters. The spooky illustrations feature dramatic black-and-yellow contrasts that emphasize the importance of dispelling misunderstandings and promoting community.
August 18, 2025
I am full of mixed thoughts and emotions. I understand, but I'm also full of so many questions that don't have answers that make any sense. I like the artwork okay, but find the odd layout of the book limiting. The way the book is laid out (landscape, read flipping pages up) is difficult to turn the pages and feels awkward and clunky instead of novel and fun.
This isn't a bad book, but choices were made and many of them in my opinion, were not good ones.
This isn't a bad book, but choices were made and many of them in my opinion, were not good ones.
December 24, 2023
A strikingly illustrated, vertically printed tale about two girls who venture cautiously into the dark forest, convinced that witches dwell there. Seeing shadows fly across the sky deepens their fear, but as they keep walking and looking they discover the witches are actually a wood full of birds.
February 2, 2024
An excellent book on how we perceive those who are different than we are. When a new group of people show up and start doing things that are perceived as 'witchlike' a little girl decides to make contact with the new group. She soon finds that they are very much like she is - and that it is often our perception of 'others' that keeps us apart.
February 26, 2024
I struggled with how to physically start this book--the format was not what I expected, the pages did not work how I expected, and it was off-putting. And then I read it. Ahhhh!!!! Thinking this could work well with lesson on perspective, perception, differences, and kindness. Possibly a great discussion starter.
April 25, 2024
When a group of people gather in the woods, another group assumes they're witches, flying on brooms and dancing around a fire. One brave girl cares to venture closer to investigate. After a storm the truth is revealed.
Told in alternating perspective with one culture having purple-hued illustrations while the other group is portrayed in a green palette.
Told in alternating perspective with one culture having purple-hued illustrations while the other group is portrayed in a green palette.
December 9, 2024
This is a picture book about community and acceptance of outsiders. Pages depict alternating points of view between villagers witnessing a mysterious group of newcomers (witches?) to the nearby woods and a competing narrative told by the newcomers themselves. The brief text and gorgeous pictures make this a great read aloud.
May 1, 2025
"They came in the dark, and they took the narrow path. Everyone said that's what they were... but what if everyone was wrong? Told from two perspectives, here is a gentle and timely reminder that all it takes to reach the gap of misunderstanding and fear between people is an open and willing heart."
Read
October 26, 2023A book that challenges how books are traditionally read ... the cover opens from bottom to top and not right to left. Two tales combine into one with the text. Very unique book.
Reviewed from a library copy.
Reviewed from a library copy.
November 2, 2023
Horizontal format presents parallel stories from two perspectives . . . which eventually combine when the two groups come together to help one another.
Are the woods full of witches? or birds? both? depends on your perspective . . .
Illustrations by Corinna Luyken are a highlight!
Are the woods full of witches? or birds? both? depends on your perspective . . .
Illustrations by Corinna Luyken are a highlight!
December 29, 2023
The townsfolk discover that their assumptions about "the witches" in the forest are wrong and make amends.
This picture book illustrates how one's perception can be incorrect.
The most interesting thing about this book is its skinny landscape format.
This picture book illustrates how one's perception can be incorrect.
The most interesting thing about this book is its skinny landscape format.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews