Welcome in Spring with a Good Book -- No Go Sleep by Kate Feiffer (Review)

Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, March 2012

Hardcover, 32 pages

ISBN-10: 1442416831

ISBN-13: 97814

Buy now for only $13.59.

Summary:

A baby—finally—falls asleep with the rest of the world in this soothing picture book from Kate and Jules Feiffer.

And the sun said,“I’ve gone for the day.When you wake up,I’ll be back to play.”
Even though the stars are out and the moon is bright, the baby says, “No, go, sleep!” But as the world around the baby gradually goes to sleep—first the sun, then the moon, then the sheep, tree, and owl—the baby finally, finally, finally falls asleep too. Lyrically written, this lulling text, paired with soothing art, will put even the youngest reader in the mood to visit dreamland.

My Thoughts:

The first time I read this book to Savannah, I thought it was written based on my experiences with her at bedtime.  She usually fights me tooth and nail to go to bed.  And, now that she is beginning to talk, she says, "No bed."  Even after reading her 3-4 bedtime books and singing to her, she continues to fight going to sleep.  Then, I begin to tell her about all the things around her that are resting or sleeping for the night, and which she will see tomorrow, like the sun, her toys, the dogs, etc.  This books follows suit, as two parents try to put their baby to bed, who is hesitant.  It is not until the end of the book that the baby says, "No" one last time, but then closes it's eyes and falls fast asleep.  This is exactly what happens with Savannah.  After fighting it for 15-20 minutes, she will say "No" and roll over, and moments later, she is fast asleep.  

So, I only found it fitting to share this story with her and explain that she is just like the baby in the book.  She replied "No" and then fell asleep. :-)

This is a cute picture book to share with young children, who fight their parents at bedtime to go to bed.  

About the Author:

Kate Feiffer is a writer, a filmmaker, and a mother. The New York Times Book Review heralded Ms. Feiffer “economy of style and understated wit” in her debut picture book Double Pink, illustrated by Bruce Ingman. She is the author of Henry the Dog with No Tail and Which Puppy? both illustrated by her father, Jules Feiffer, President Pennybaker and My Mom is Trying to Ruin My Life both illustrated by Diane Goode, as well as The Wild, Wild Inside, illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith and The Problem with the Puddles, a middle grade novel illustrated by Tricia Tusa. Ms. Feiffer and her family live on Martha's Vineyard, MA. Visit her at www.katefeiffer.com.

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.