The Digger and the Dark

by Joseph Kuefler, Joseph Kuefler (Illustrator)

Overview

From popular author-illustrator Joseph Kuefler comes the perfect bedtime book for fans of big trucks. The ideal next book for readers of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site and Steam Train, Dream Train.

After a long day’s work, Digger and the other big trucks are ready to tuck themselves into bed. They wash, they brush, and they sing a goodnight song. But before they can fall asleep, two mischievous raccoons appear. And they are not tired—at all.

Surely, just a few more minutes of playtime won’t hurt...will it?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063237933
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	06/25/2024
Series:	Digger Series
Pages:	48
Sales rank:	214,110
Product dimensions:	10.00(w) x 10.20(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Joseph Kuefler is the author-illustrator of the Digger series, Beyond the Pond, Rulers of the Playground, Pillow Places, and Bigger Than a Bumblebee and the illustrator of Night Is for Darkness by Jonathan Stutzman. He lives in Minnesota with his wife and children. You can visit him online at josephkuefler.com.

Joseph Kuefler is the author-illustrator of the Digger series, Beyond the Pond, Rulers of the Playground, Pillow Places, and Bigger Than a Bumblebee and the illustrator of Night Is for Darkness by Jonathan Stutzman. He lives in Minnesota with his wife and children. You can visit him online at josephkuefler.com.

Editorial Reviews

Truck enthusiasts will savor this sweet story. An enchanting—and soothing—bedtime tale. — Kirkus Reviews

An enjoyable bedtime or story hour treat; youngsters will wait for this book to make an appearance in their days or nights. — School Library Journal

This is one cute & funny bedtimestory. I love the charm & the bold personality. To sweeten up your bedtime routine, grab this lovely book & see the cuteness for yourself. — STYLISH MODERN MOTHERHOOD

Adorable bedtime story.  — THE SMILE LINES_LAUREN

Does your child love big machines? If so, you must share this adorable new bedtime story with them! — Fun Reads for Kids

This adorable bedtime story is perfect for little ones who love big machines! — Read with a Rescue

This series brings tears to my eyes. The Digger and the Dark is just as sweet as the others. — Books Grow Minds

Perfect for bedtime with littles who say they aren’t tired. — Fairy Tales for Moms

This book had me and my mom laughing throughout, the raccoons are so cute and silly I love their little squeak squeaks as they talk to Digger and the other big trucks. I absolutely love the illustrations too! They are amazing! This would be an awesome addition to bedtime reading! — Ava in Bookland

From the Publisher

07/01/2024

PreS-Gr 3—Digger and his friends are busy working on a park all day. Assembling climbing equipment, surfacing ball courts, and setting up swings keeps the big trucks occupied until bedtime. Just as the vehicles finally get settled for the night, two playful raccoons appear in the blue twilight. The trucks agree to play "only for a minute," but stay up all night with their new little friends. Each night the furry visitors reappear and keep the trucks awake to chat, or scratch, or have a snack. When at last the trucks can't stay awake any longer, the raccoons return the care they have received by tucking in Digger and singing a bedtime song. Illustrations capture the brightly colored, anthropomorphic trucks and the striped tails and masked faces of their pals. Each truck has headlight eyes that open wide in excitement, narrow to tired slits, or even spiral dizzily from exhaustion. Their grills form smiles, crinkle crookedly when the trucks are tired, and relax peacefully when they sleep. Hoist plucks apples from trees and Crane's cable is used as a zipline to entertain the raccoons. Readers will laugh as the trucks get ready for bed. They "change" tires rather than clothes and "read" a manual instead of a bedtime story, but the rituals are very familiar. VERDICT An enjoyable bedtime or story hour treat; youngsters will wait for this book to make an appearance in their days or nights.—Suzanne Costner

School Library Journal