Sleep is for Babies by Emily McDowall, illustrated by Julia Hegetusch (Scholastic) Many parents have trouble getting their little ones to go to sleep. I wonder if that was what inspired Emily for this book. It's George's bedtime but he thinks sleeping is just for babies. He leaves his snug bed and ventures outside. There he meets Cat and they play together. But night time is a busy time for nocturnal animals and Cat runs off to chase a mouse. George heads on to a big tree and asks a possum if it'll play with him. Possum doesn't hang around long either. That doesn't deter this determined young fella, he continues on with his journey. What mischief will George find and when will he go to sleep (asks every mother who reads this to their young one)? The story is written in rhyme (a,b,c,b) in stanzas of four. The rhyme scans well and is a pleasure to read aloud. There's also dialogue between George and the animals he meets. Kids will enjoy joining in with the refrain, "Sleep is for babies!" scoffed George. "Not for me!" It's highlighted in bold and bigger font, which will encourage children to say aloud with gusto. A delightful bedtime story about resisting routines, going on
adventures, and nocturnal animals. Parents and grandparents will enjoy
reading this story to their children at bedtime. Caregivers at kindy
could also read it to children before nap time. They just have to hope
that mischievous George-like characters won't get ideas. The artwork is charming. It can't be easy illustrating a book that's set during the night. But Julia has painted the night sky in gorgeous blues and purples with a smattering of silver stars. Parents and child care teachers would follow up the story with questions like, What animals are awake at night? Does anyone know what night-time animals are called? Nocturnal. Is it a safe to go out at night by yourself? Emily McDowall was a member of the School for Young Writers, tutored by Glyn Strange. She's written mostly university essays, blogs and work reports, but motherhood inspired Emily to get back into creative writing. This is Emily's first book. Julia Hegetusch was born in New Zealand but has spent much of her life living in Germany, growing up in a family of artists. She has studied graphic design, photography, abstract and figurative art. During Covid she discovered a love for illustration and narrative storytelling. Julia works part-time as a childhood educator. ISBN: 978-1-77543843-4 RRP $21.99 Reviewed by Maria Gill
All Rights Reserved Book Blog