Never Too Old for Picture Books: Blackout by John Rocco
unpgd. Disney/ Hyperion Books, May, 2011. 978-142312190-9. (Borrowed from the public library.)
A normal summer night turns into an adventure after the lights go out in New York City. Large and varied panels reminiscent of comic book panels depict the electrical vitality of a Brooklyn city street. In one of the duplexes a young child of indeterminate gender (I thought a girl) is unsuccessfully entreating each family member to join in a board game. When no one bites, she trudges up the stairs with her faithful cat to play video games. Then, the lights go out. Disaster. "The city is dark and still." Dad plays silly shadow games and it grows hotter and hotter without air conditioning. So, the family heads upstairs to the roof, where they are treated to a light show that is usually drowned out by the city lights - the stars. After a bit, they drift down to the street where there's ice cream and uncapped fire hydrants.
The palette is colorful and energetic. The panels are filled with humorous touches. This picture book for all ages will resonate with most children. It would make a great writing prompt in any language arts class.