The Dark

Lazlo has a fear of the dark that seems to be everywhere: it hides in closets, waits behind the shower curtain, and makes its home mostly in the basement. One night his nightlight goes out, and the Dark itself appears in his bedroom with an invitation.

Lazlo follows it down the basement stairs, where he has to confront the thing he dreads most. Along the way he learns a few reassuring things about the presence that every child eventually has to live alongside.

Written by Lemony Snicket, best known for A Series of Unfortunate Events, and illustrated by Jon Klassen, this was the first book the two created together. Its tone blends gentleness with humor for young readers.