When the Lights Went Out
By Lian Tanner & Jonathan Bentley
Reviewed by Helen Gearing
By the same powerhouse creators as the award-winning Ella and the Ocean, When the Lights Went Out is a visually stunning and warm-hearted story about new experiences and the joy of community.
The house was whisper quiet. Our shadows loomed and slanted on the stairs.
When a young child experiences their first blackout, they are scared – their familiar home has been transformed into something strange and uncanny. However, the winter evening gradually becomes an adventure for the whole family and their neighbours as, together, they create an unforgettable night.
Lian Tanner’s language is rich and poetic, reassuring the reader that beauty and comfort can still be found in new experiences which may, at first, be frightening. Jonathan Bentley (who has illustrated over 50 books for children, including the 2024 CBCA Notable Where will the Sleepy Sheep Sleep?) creates a striking visual narrative with exquisite watercolour and pencil illustrations. Deep blues and cosy yellows develop themes of reassurance and community connection while flowing curves cleverly mirror the lilting text, beckoning the reader to turn the page.
Young children will also enjoy finding the enchanting animal characters which are hidden throughout the book, beginning in the endpapers and continuing on every spread. The stunning cover design by Sarah Nobes is also highly appealing and draws the reader into the story from the outset.
When the Lights Went Out is a warm, gentle story which will resonate with children three years and older and with adults who remember their own childhood fears – and the people who helped them feel safe. It also celebrates the magic of winter, and provides an excellent glimpse into the snowy landscapes enjoyed by those living in alpine Australia.
Notes for teachers can be downloaded from the publisher’s website
