Orion and the Dark: questions to ask and activities to try
Orion is scared of lots of things, but most of all the dark, until the Dark comes to visit. Orion and the Dark is a heart-warming story about facing your fears.
What age is it for? Orion and the Dark is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Being scared of the dark, and making friends with it.
Orion and the Dark (Emma Yarlett)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Being scared of the dark, and making friends with it
Read it at bedtime with the light low. Ask what your child is scared of, and whether the dark could be friendly, like in the story.
What it helps with
- Fear of the dark
- Lots of worries at once
- Facing fears with curiosity
- Bedtime settling
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What was Orion scared of?”
- “What scared him most?”
- “Who came to visit?”
- “What did the Dark show him?”
- “Was the dark still scary at the end?”
- “What’s something good about the dark?”
5-minute activities to try together
Dark tour
With a torch, explore a dark room together and find all the friendly things.
Worry list
Make a list of things your child is scared of, and one thing that helps with each.
Free printables: Orion and the Dark worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Can't You Sleep, Little Bear? (Martin Waddell and Barbara Firth)
- Best for
- Being scared of the dark at bedtime
- Age
- 2-6
Emily Brown and the Thing (Cressida Cowell and Neal Layton)
- Best for
- Being afraid of the dark, and things that go bump in the night
- Age
- 3-7
Silly Billy (Anthony Browne)
- Best for
- Children who lie awake worrying at night
- Age
- 3-7
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.