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Adaptation Project

About the book


The Owl who was afraid of the dark is a 1968 book written to be read to very young children or read by/alongside older children. The story is about a young barn owl called Plop, who is frightened of the dark. The plot is divided into seven chapters, each covering a night during which Plop learns something new about the dark: dark is exciting, dark is kind, dark is fun, dark is necessary, dark is fascinating, dark is wonderful and dark is beautiful. Plop is gradually persuaded that the dark has its advantages.

The original book has line illustrations by Joanne Cole.

Existing Adaptations
There is an abridged edition illustrated by Paul Howard published in 2001. Aimed at under 5s, this version skips some of the descriptive detail, and the parts the editor deemed to be gory:

Adaptations for Stage


Tina Williams adaptation is a play within a play, the main character, re-enacting the Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark with his family and proving there is nothing to be scared of. Designed for children aged 37, the Blunderbus adaptation is an irresistible blend of live music, puppetry and storytelling, this beautiful new show introduces an old friend to a new generation of theatre-goers. Join Plop, the baby barn owl as he journeys into the night-time world of campfires, fireworks, and moonlit adventures.

Educational Adaptations
The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark is often used in schools to teach the Narrative unit in English Language at key stage 1 (children of 57 years old) and the Key Stage 1 Science unit Light and Dark.
The book has been recommended by clinicians for treatment of fear of the dark.

The book has also been adapted into an educational show about the wonders of the night sky for the London Planetarium. This is targeted at Key Stages 1 and 2 (5 to 11 years old).

Artistic Influences

Teodoru Badiu

Teodoru Badiu is a Romanian illustrator, character designer & 3D artist. His incredible skills with different media like 3D, vector, 2D or mixed, helped him develop a unique graphic style.

Artistic Influences

Influences Toys

Influences Ceramics

Influences Colours & Shapes

Influences Colours & Shapes

Plop Silhouettes

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