Me & Spark Aren't Afraid of the Dark: A Guide for Reading Together

A chair can look different when the light goes out. A familiar room can feel unfamiliar. You do not have to agree that something frightening is there to take a child's worry seriously.

Me & Spark Aren't Afraid of the Dark takes that feeling into a nighttime forest, where the child has company for the journey.

Who is Spark?

Spark is a small fire friend. In the personalized story, the child explores the forest with Spark and looks more closely at its sounds, shapes, and creatures. Your child's name and illustrated likeness are part of the adventure.

The setting may appeal to a child who likes glowing lights and nighttime animals. It may feel too intense to another child. Preview the pages to see whether the forest adventure suits your child.

Start in daylight

Choose a relaxed reading time, with comfortable lighting and a familiar place to sit together.

You might ask, "What can Spark see here?" or "Which part would you like to look at again?" Keep the question about the picture unless your child wants to talk about their own room.

If they want to close the book, close it. Reading a different story is a reasonable choice. You can return to Spark another day.

A simple check of a familiar room

If a child points to a worrying shape at home, turn on a light and look together. "That is the coat on the chair. It looked different with the light off."

Then decide on something practical: move the coat, leave a comfortable light on, or keep a familiar object nearby. Avoid repeated hunts for imaginary creatures. You can be clear and kind: "There isn't a creature there. I can see that the shadow worried you."

Let your child choose the lighting that feels comfortable while you explore together.

Keep the grown-ups in agreement

When grandparents are handling bedtime, tell them the usual routine and the words your child finds reassuring. A familiar sequence is easier to follow than an improvised challenge to sleep without a light.

For a broader set of practical ideas, see our guide to nighttime fears. If worry is persistent or disrupting ordinary life, speak with your child's healthcare professional about what you have noticed.

Before buying, check the character preview and the sample story separately. Spark can be a companion on the page. At bedtime, your calm presence still matters more than finishing the story.