Title: When the Lights Went Out
Author: Lian Tanner
Illustrator: Jonathan Bentley
Publisher: Allen and Unwin
Publication date: 2 July 2024
Comprehensive teachers’ notes can be downloaded from the publisher’s website here
When the Lights Went Out by Lian Tanner, illustrated by Jonathan Bentley and published by Allen and Unwin is a glowing story about community, connection, beauty in the unexpected, leaning into experiences that are unfamiliar and choosing to embrace the positives in such scenarios.
On a chilly night, a young family is enjoying a cosy night in, when suddenly the lights go out and their home and all those in their street, complete with a peaceful green space where foxes and owls inhabit, are plunged into darkness. What ensues in this culturally diverse community is connection and people who could have isolated in their dark homes, but instead come together in such hospitable, heart-warming ways.
Initially when the lights go out, the young boy is scared. His parents make the evening an adventure. Suddenly in the very quiet neighbourhood, the sound of music emanates from the street. A lone neighbour is out on this cold evening playing the guitar. It’s not long before this sound beckons more neighbours to come out and a night of music and dance is enjoyed by all. Lian Tanner uses poetic language such as, ‘The night was bright with stars and smiles’. Neighbours meet, new friendships are forged and cherished memories are made. By the end of the evening the boy, after such a positive, fun filled experience is hoping that the lights go out again soon.
The evocative illustrations are glorious and deserve to be revisited as so much of the story is told in this detailed, considered artwork. The colour palette for the night time scenes is created using blues and greens. The light is depicted with such an ambient, cosy and comforting, hopeful way with warm golden glows cutting through the dark.
This is a beautiful celebration of community coming together in unprecedented ways and because of the newfound connection this neighbourhood can look forward to brighter days.