Don't Be Afraid of the Dark

'Don't be afraid of the dark, little one. The stars are still shining above you.'

1. About the Poem

Poet: Ruskin Bond Theme: Courage, reassurance, finding beauty and comfort in the night

The poem is a PARENT or GUARDIAN speaking gently to a child who is afraid of the dark. The speaker explains that the night is NOT scary — it is peaceful, beautiful, and full of wonderful things like stars and the moon.

2. The Poem

Don't be afraid of the dark, little one, The stars are still shining above you. Don't be afraid of the night, little one, The moon is still watching and loves you.

The day is for working and running and play, The night is for resting till morning. So close your eyes tight and drift far away, The night will pass without warning.

Don't be afraid of the dark, little one, The world is still here all around you. Just think of the stars and the moon up above, And know that the night loves you.

3. Understanding the Poem

What the Poem Says

• It is OK to be afraid — but there is NOTHING to fear
• The STARS are still shining (they do not disappear at night)
• The MOON is watching over the child
• Night is for RESTING, day is for playing
• The night PASSES and morning comes
• The world is still THERE, even in darkness

Feelings in the Poem

• Comfort — gentle, soft, reassuring words
• Love — the speaker loves the child deeply
• Peace — night is not scary, it is peaceful
• Safety — the child is safe and protected

4. About Ruskin Bond

Ruskin Bond is one of India's FAVOURITE writers. He was born in 1934 and has written MANY stories and poems for children. He lives in Landour, Mussoorie, surrounded by mountains. His writing is SIMPLE, WARM, and full of love for nature.

5. What We Learn

Why Children Fear the Dark

How to Overcome Fear

• Remember the stars and moon are STILL there
• The night is just the EARTH turning away from the sun
• Everything you LOVE is still there — you just cannot see it
• Take DEEP breaths and think of happy things
• Morning ALWAYS comes

6. New Words

7. Key Facts

• The poem is written in a GENTLE, comforting tone
• It contrasts DAY (working, running, play) with NIGHT (resting, sleeping)
• The stars and moon are SYMBOLS of constancy — they are always there
• The poem teaches that fear can be OVERCOME with knowledge and love
• Ruskin Bond wrote this to help children feel SAFE at bedtime

8. Common Mistakes

'Do NOT think being afraid is 'babyish.' Everyone is scared of something sometimes.' 'Do NOT confuse darkness with DANGER. Many things happen safely in the dark (sleeping, stars shining).' 'Do NOT forget that the poem is about FINDING BEAUTY in the night, not just not being scared.' 'Do NOT think the night is EMPTY — the stars, moon, and your loved ones are still there.' 'Do NOT keep fears to yourself. TALK to a parent or teacher about what scares you.'

9. Fun Activity

Draw the Night Sky Draw a picture of a night sky with stars, the moon, and a sleeping child. Use dark blue paper and silver or white crayons.

Write a Comfort Letter Imagine your younger brother or sister is afraid of the dark. Write a short letter to comfort them. Use the ideas from the poem.

Night Observation With a parent, step outside at night for 2 minutes. Look at the sky. What do you see? Is it as scary as you thought?

10. Self-Test

Q1. Who wrote the poem 'Don't Be Afraid of the Dark'? Answer: Ruskin Bond

Q2. What does the speaker say is still shining above the child? Answer: The stars

Q3. What is night for, according to the poem? Answer: Resting

Q4. What is day for? Answer: Working, running, and play

Q5. Name two things in the night sky that the poem mentions. Answer: Stars and the moon

Q6. What is the MAIN message of the poem? Answer: Don't be afraid of the dark — the night is peaceful and beautiful, and you are safe and loved.

Q7. How does the poem make you feel? (Write in one sentence.) Answer: (Own answer — e.g., It makes me feel calm and safe.)

11. Key Vocabulary