Reminiscent of Oliver Jeffers, Yarlett's illustrations are a joyful mix of digital collage, sketchbook, and saturated watercolor done in a palette of blueberry and Starburst candies. Many pictures invite close inspection, adding quirky details that fill out the story. Orion's adventures replace fear with fun, ending with a hug, a new friend, and a well- traveled pair of bunny slippers. Only sweet dreams ahead with this one.
Julia Smith
Publishers Weekly
Fantastic story about facing your fears, full of humor, momentum, trust and moving parts.
Miss Marple's Musings
Yarlett is the best kind of author-illustrator, incorporating exciting fonts into her whimsical images, pulling the reader in again and again. Her text is simple enough for young children, but clever asides will keep adults entertained. Quirky sketches and thought bubbles fill each colorful page to perfection.
Jill Lorenzini
BookPage
Orion and the Dark is a brilliant and completely stunning picture book for children that tackles these widespread fears of darkness beautifully and cleverly. This book completely won us over. Not only is is visually beautiful and full of intricate illustrations that you and the kids can pour over, but it is such a clever way to communicate the reality of nighttime and darkness to young children.
Review Zoo
This is a wonderful book! The illustrations are fantastic, with a hand that is its own page for kids to reach out for. The creature that is Dark, is adorable and full of the night sky. Lots of little details to look at and explore.
Stephanie
Kiss The Book
Orion and The Dark is a gem of a book. Between the story and the artwork, it's picture book heaven. I think of it as a wonderful blend of Lemony Snicket's The Dark and Dan Santat's Beekle. There are even a few pages with sweet cut-outs that I'll let you discover for yourself. Overall, I'm pretty sure if you read this book, you'll find yourself hugging it to you and thanking Emma Yarlett for bringing this story to life.
Jen Vincent
Nerdy Book Club