Jill Tomlinson's language is warm, clear and precise. She uses accurate natural history terminology alongside very accessible prose. Key vocabulary for this book spans both wildlife terms and emotional language.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| barn owl | A species of owl with a heart-shaped white face and pale feathers. Barn owls hunt at night using exceptional hearing as well as sight. |
| nocturnal | Active at night. Barn owls are nocturnal hunters — this is why Plop's fear of the dark is such a serious problem. |
| down | The soft, fluffy first feathers of a young bird. Plop is described as still in his first coat of down. |
| perspective | A particular way of regarding something; a point of view. Each person Plop meets offers a different perspective on darkness. |
| fascinating | Very interesting and attractive. The young woman uses this word to describe what the dark reveals: stars, moon, the universe. |
| mysterious | Difficult to understand or explain. The dark is often described as mysterious — full of hidden things. |
| reluctant | Unwilling and hesitant. Plop is reluctant to fly off into the dark at the beginning. |
| illuminate | To light up. Spotlights and candles illuminate — but only against darkness. |
One of the most memorable aspects of the book is the six words the characters use to describe darkness:
| Character | Word for Dark |
|---|---|
| The boy | Exciting |
| The old woman | Kind |
| The girl | Fun |
| The old man | Necessary |
| The young woman | Fascinating |
| The clown | Wonderful |
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