A Book For Children Scared of the Dark: Jade Braves the Dark
A Book For Children Scared of the Dark: Jade Braves the Dark
Bedtime is here, but Jade is much too scared to fall asleep–who knows what could be hiding in the dark? Jade lets her imagination run away from her, dreaming up all kinds of scary monsters, until she is sure she won’t be able to sleep at all.
Luckily, Jade is very brave.
Join Jade as she learns how to overcome her biggest fear and discovers that the dark isn’t so frightening after all.
Jade Braves the Dark is an imaginative story that encourages children to overcome their fear of the dark. Suitable as both a nighttime read-aloud for younger kids and an engaging self-read story for older readers.
When I was a little girl, there was very little my parents could do to help me not be so afraid of the dark. Like many kids, I had an overactive imagination that always led me to think of the most terrible things when the lights went out.
Being the parent of three kids, I have battled the monsters under the bed, I have tucked them in and turned on night lights and closet lights, and I’ve even left my door open so they would feel better—all which have worked to some extent but has not banished all of their darkness fears.
Thankfully, my little one isn’t scared of the dark at all; however, I know that his imagination is still flourishing, which is why I have already started filling his library with a book for children who are scared of the dark.
Darkness is something that we automatically associate with terrible, horrible, awful things. However, you can help comfort your little one’s fears with a fantastic children’s book, Jade Braves the Dark, written by Valdene Mark and illustrated by Sawyer Cloud.
Jade Braves the Dark is about a girl named Jade who is too scared to fall asleep. Like many children, her imagination has her thinking about the scary monsters and shadows that lurk in her room. But just as Jade decides to hide beneath a pillow, she notices the beautiful shining moonlight coming through her window. Young readers follow Jade as she learns how to overcome her fear of the dark and learns that the dark isn’t so scary after all.
This sweet and helpful book for children who are afraid of the dark is a story that will encourage your little ones to overcome their fears and find the beauty in things like the moon. This book will surely be a story that will make them feel more confident and safe in the dark.
Where Can I Find "Jade Braves the Dark?"
About the Author, Valdene Mark
“Valdene Mark is a Vincentian writer, an M.Ed. in Higher Education graduate, and the founder of Sugar Apple Books. Her first book, Jade Braves the Dark, follows main character Jade as she learns to use her imagination to conquer her nighttime fears. Valdene’s stories, inspired by her childhood in the Caribbean, encourage children to use the power of imagination to navigate their feelings. Valdene now lives in Providence, Rhode Island, with her husband and two children.”
Rapid Fire with Valdene Mark
Q. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Valdene: I’ve wanted to be a children’s writer since I was 20 years old. I’ve always had fond memories of my childhood and created ideas for several titles around that time.
Q. What does your family think of your writing?
Valdene: They think it’s an exciting venture that allows me to express my ideas. My mother has always told me I have a big imagination and is elated I now get to share that with children.
Q. What was the most surprising thing you learned about creating books?
Valdene: It’s a fairly labor-intensive process. It involves lots of drafts, editing, and critiquing. You often question if your writing is good enough and wonder if your audience will be engaged with the story.
Q. What do you think makes a good story?
Valdene: An interesting premise, an engaging character, a central conflict, and a satisfying resolution.
Q. Describe what your ideal writing space looks like?
Valdene: My ideal writing space would be a small nook in a sunroom surrounded by plants. This environment would be very relaxing while providing seclusion and lots of light.
Q. What do you love most about the writing process?
Valdene: I love those “aha!” moments when I think of a great idea I want to include in the story. I also love it when I’ve finished collaborating with an editor, and I have the finished manuscript in hand. It’s a wonderful feeling.
Q. Tell us about your plans for the future? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Valdene: I see myself releasing several titles and expanding my publishing venture Sugar Apple Books, to include diverse stories from other international and minority voices.
Q. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Valdene: I love traveling, baking, and spending time with my family. I always envision one day taking off with my family to explore the world. I think so much can be learned from other cultures. I can’t wait to make that a reality.
Q. What type of books do you write?
Valdene: I write diverse children’s picture books. I wanted to focus on early readers because I think representation is especially important in the formative years. I rarely saw myself in children’s literature as a child, so I want to be part of the new wave of authors that represent #ownvoices and are in charge of getting our stories out into the world.
Q. Are you working on anything at the present that you would like to share with your readers about?
Valdene: My debut picture book Jade Braves the Dark, will be released on September 15, 2020. It follows the main character Jade as she learns to use her imagination to conquer her nighttime fears. I also have another title I plan to publish next summer that focuses on the joy of friendship in childhood.
Don't Forget To Join Valdene Mark on Social Media!
Rapid Fire with Illustrator, Sawyer Cloud
Q. Can you describe the artistic process behind your illustration creations?
Sawyer: Usually, I always start by reading the story/brief and imagining it in my head first before touching any material. Once I have the visual aspect in mind, I start working on the storyboard, which I always do on paper because it’s faster for me than working on my digital tools. In the meantime, I also work on the character designs, and I use my iPad Pro for that. I’m not very good at focusing on one thing before moving to the next task; I’m a multitasker. I usually work on the storyboard/concept and the character designs at the same time.
I switch between those tasks during a given period so that I don’t get drained or bored easily. Once my vision of the story is approved by the author or publisher, I start making the sketches, and I try to put as many details as possible to make it easier for me to color them afterward. The final stage is the most fun one. I like working on the colors and seeing everything together.
During the whole process, I always listen to some music/podcasts or put some youtube videos in the background. I also have my vision boards in front of me, and I use Pinterest a lot for references. Of course, when I’m working on a piece that is not work-related, I tend to break the rules and get more disorganized (haha).
Q. Which page was the most fun to illustrate?
Sawyer: The sheep page was the most fun one! I really enjoyed drawing the clouds and playing with the fluffy texture of the sheep. It was very relaxing, and I didn’t feel like I was working.
Q. How did you start your career as an illustrator?
Sawyer: Oh, wow, it’s a long story! I live in a country where art is not yet considered as a serious thing or as a job. I’ve always loved drawing, and I used to draw on everything I found when I was a kid: a wall, the ground, etc. As I was growing up, I would have loved to study art, but we don’t have any art schools here, so I ended up studying English literature at University, which was very cool as well.
As soon as I discovered many other professional illustrators on the internet, I started considering it and began to learn the business by myself. I spent my days reading articles, books, and watching Youtube videos from artists like Frannerd, who taught me a lot about where and how to start. I had many different jobs before becoming an illustrator: first-grade teacher, librarian, video maker… I couldn’t really afford to wait for that dream job because I was, and I’m still in charge of my whole family (mom, nephew, pets).
Eventually came the day where I finally got my first freelance contract and quit my full-time job to become a freelancer. Then I worked remotely as an artist at TgoSketch Illustration, based in Chicago and owned by the amazing Tyrus Goshay. I was with Tyrus for about a year and a half before quitting again to pursue my dream career. It was a huge decision, and I honestly didn’t think I would have got through it so easily, but I did.
As I had a great online presence, people recognized me and contacted me for inquiries. I signed a few contracts with independent authors, all women, including Valdene Mark. I’ve also signed with an international agency, Advocate Art Agency, who are working with me now. It was hard to get out there, especially as a minority, but as long as you love your passion and you believe in yourself, you will enjoy the journey!
Q. Since creating artwork is your job, what kind of hobbies do you enjoy to relieve stress and help inspire your artwork?
Sawyer: When I’m tired and stressed, I sing. I used to be in a rock band when I was younger. I also love reading! I love spending afternoons reading great books that make me cry, even though I don’t really have the time currently. I also like everything about spirituality and food for thought. I read a lot of books about self-development and spiritual growth. Of course, my pets are the most efficient medicine for stress! I like hugging my cat, Potter, when I’m sad and petting my dog Arya who is just adorable.
Don't Forget To Join Sawyer Cloud on Social Media!
All in all, my family and I have really enjoyed this book and we know you will too! Please feel free to leave me any comments or questions about this review. I look forward to hearing from you!
* This book was kindly sent to me by Author, Valdene Mark in exchange for an honest review.
