Description

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How far would you go to find your very best toy if it went missing? Join a timid jack-o'-lantern on an adventure through an eerie forest in this sweet and quirky wordless picture book!

Nighttime can be scary, especially when you don’t know what might be lurking in the dark. So this little jack-o'-lantern always keeps its favorite toy close by for comfort. But when a huge gust of wind separates them one day, the jack-o'-lantern must gather up bravery and set off on a journey—just as nighttime draws closer—to get its friend back.

Dan Misdea’s eye-catching artwork and charming story will remind readers that they can overcome most fears by trusting in themselves and finding the courage that lives inside their heart.

About the Author

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Dan Misdea (he/him) is a cartoonist and illustrator based in New Jersey. His cartoons have appeared in The New Yorker, Air Mail, Narrative, Reader’s Digest, Weekly Humorist, and elsewhere. The Light Inside is his first children's book.

Praise For…

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Praise for THE LIGHT INSIDE:

★"Crisp line drawings and striking, moody gray tones lend a satisfying frisson of eeriness to the dramatic stakes. Centering a reluctant but persevering protagonist facing their nightmares, it’s a portrait of empathy, independence, and bravery that champions the literal and figurative light within."—Publisher's Weekly, starred review


★"Sparse, deceptively simple illustrations tell the full story without a single word—the protagonist, tiny on the page, has a remarkable range of expressions on their little pumpkin head that captivate and evoke sympathy from the first page."—BCCB, starred review


"Misdea’s narrative can be read as a child’s dream or a hero’s fulsome adventure...this debut’s round-edged panels compress zigzagging emotions into an adroitly constructed tale using classic folkloric tropes...Appealing, for Halloween or anytime."—Kirkus Reviews


"This wordless Halloween adventure plays out in cleanly rendered panel illustrations...the art's soft palette and comforting round shapes signal to young readers and listeners that they needn't be [scared]."—Horn Book


"A beautifully illustrated wordless picture book about courage and helping others even when trying to conquer our own fears."—KidsBookShelf


"Misdea’s artwork makes readers empathize with the creatures, as he shows them feeling fear, loneliness, and sadness. A cozy, quiet read for young children who love Halloween."—School Library Journal