SHHH! THIS BOOK IS SLEEPING

In a nice twist, instead of a book putting readers to sleep, here it is readers who put the book to sleep.

In this gentle board book, originally written in French, children are encouraged to go over the routines that many may well recognize as their own bedtime routines. On the left-hand page of each double-page spread, a pink, mouselike character guides children in the questions and actions that will help “the book” go to sleep. The latter character occupies the entire right-hand page with a blue cloth-binding background on which two eyes, a nose, and a mouth are superimposed. “Did you brush your teeth?” and “Did you go pee-pee?” both get a “yes” from the book—though its eyes do look to the side, slightly abashed by the latter question. Practical matters taken care of, it is now time to read it a little story, make sure it is warm, has its blankie, and of course, give it a big hug and a little kiss. As the book’s eyes begin to close and its mouth opens to a big yawn, it’s time to turn off the light. On the last spread readers see the book with eyes closed, and children are instructed to close the book very gently.

Add this playful purchase to the ever expanding going-to-sleep bookcase.