FICTION

A Number Slumber

illus. by Suzanne Bloom. 40p. Boyds Mills. Oct. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781629795577. POP
COPY ISBN
PreS—A menagerie of animals prepare for bed while the narrator asks readers, "What do you do to get ready for bed?" The text transitions from rhyming questions, enumerating some of the common rituals in preparing for bed, to the query, "What do other sleepyheads do when their busy day is through?" A countdown begins as "ten terribly tired tigers tiptoe to their beds" and "seven slightly stinky skunks somersault into their bunks." With wonderfully alliterative sentences and rich vocabulary for each of the creatures from 10 to one, the narrative ends by assuring readers that what other sleepyheads do is "fall fast asleep, just like you." The illustrations, done in pastel, have an impressionistic, dreamlike quality, with jewel-tone backgrounds that are perfectly suited for this bedtime book.
VERDICT Rhyme, alliteration, and cozy images make this excellent selection ideal for read-alouds.

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?