Blackout

Book review by Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media
Blackout Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 4+

Beautiful book captures the magic after lights go out.

John Rocco Picture Book 2011
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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

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What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Blackout celebrates family and community coming together without distraction or devices. The sudden darkness is at first startling, but quickly takes on a cozy, celebratory atmosphere.

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What's the Story?

It's a typical hot, noisy night in the city. A child wants to play a board game, but everyone else in the family is too busy. Then the lights go out -- all across the city. Nothing works. The family leaves their sweltering apartment and heads to the roof, where the stars shine bright and their neighbors are having a "block party in the sky." Down below, kids splash in water from an open hydrant, enjoy free ice cream, and make music. When the lights come back on, everyone goes back to what they were doing before … until the young child clicks off the light. And the family gathers round for a board game by candlelight.

Is It Any Good?

In an age of digital distractions, a power outage is a major disruption -- and, as John Rocco illustrates in this beautiful picture book, a rare opportunity. Instead of pining for the mythical good old days, when people didn't spend hours a day staring at screens, this book shares the pleasure of powering down and enjoying the moment.
Rocco's work is familiar to older readers who are fans of Rick Riordan: Rocco has illustrated the Percy Jackson, Kane Chronicles, and Heroes of Olympus series. In Blackout, his gorgeous artwork features strong lines and saturated colors. Comic-style panels and minimal text let the pictures speak for themselves.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what they like to do when the power goes out. Have a pretend blackout: Switch off the lights and screens, get out candles and flashlights, and enjoy the evening.
  • The power outage interrupts the father's cooking, the mother's computer work, and the daughter's phone call. It's an annoyance, but the entire family is able to enjoy the blackout. Families can talk about looking on the bright side when things seem to go badly.
  • Families can talk about what life might have been like before electricity. What did people do at night?

Book Details

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