Logan's Lantern

About this book

It's Lunar New Year and Logan is very excited. He's made a dragon lantern to take to the festivities that night. But when he's about to step into the dark night, the little dragon grips his hand very tightly. The dragon is scared of the dark. So Logan suggests they only walk a little way together. And then a little further. Slowly, step by step, the two walk into the village to see the parade, the lights, the dancers and the fireworks. Together, they've been very brave.

This is an absolutely gorgeous picture book, with stunning illustrations. Ya-Ling Hoang's soft, luminous artwork lights up the night scenes, and the dragon is particularly cute. Also, a caring maternal figure can be seen in the background, shepherding the two along. The story gently shows readers who might also feel wobbly about the dark that you can be brave just a few steps at a time. Especially with a friend by your side. The repetition of 'step, by step, by step' reinforces this message. This said, the theme is not overpowering, and is dealt with in a clever way, with the child being the strong support of the smaller dragon. 

Beautiful and gently reassuring.