Light in the Forest by Nova Scotia artist Holly Carr was designed as a literary nightlight for children who face anxiety once the lights are off. In her silk paintings of various woodland animals, Carr cleverly juxtaposes frightening images with ones that show the innocence and comfort of the very creatures the child was scared of a page earlier. The mantra repeated throughout is "Do not be afraid." ... "I am not afraid, " reminding children that just as their imagination can make them fearful, their own mind can calm them down.
The book functions not only as a mental wellness activity but also as a way for parents or other adults to start discussions with children about what they observe in the forest scenes, what scares them, and what comforts them. The simple mantra -- " Do not be afraid. There is light in the forest." -- is a way for children to ground themselves and reflect upon their fears without even knowing they're doing so. Children eventually learn that, in Carr's words, "You're not alone. At some point, things are going to get scary, but you're not alone."
