Translated by J. Alison James. Illustrated by Maja Dusíková. 32 p., North-South, 2004. When you're a monster, you might be afraid of the children that could be hiding under the bed. Such is the case for green, sharp-toothed, claw-footed Mona, who worries about going to sleep even though her mother reassures her that there's no such thing as children. But in fact, two children do show up in her attic after she's gone to bed. At first, Mona is terrifed of the children, and of course, they're terrifed of her. One child, Lenny, shoots Mona with a water pistol, and he and Maria chase Mona. But Maria realizes that Mona is crying, and the children apologize to her. And they make friends. They find that they envy each other's lives - Mona's mother doesn't like her to be clean or to pick up her room. They teach each other their favorite games. And they discover that the Mona's mother can't see the children, and the children's mother can't see Mona. When Mona finally goes back to bed, she dreams of friendly children who want to play. This isn't the first story of a monster who is afraid of children at bedtime (for example, see The Something by Natalie Babbitt, 1970, Clyde Monster by Robert L. Crowe, 1976, and the hilarious No Such Thing by Jackie Koller French, 1997) but this one is lovely and made me laugh. Illustrated with whimsical watercolor paintings, this story offers children humor and a new perspective to help dispel their fears. Ages 3-6
Showing posts with label bedtime. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bedtime. Show all posts
Jibberwillies at Night by Rachel Vail
Illustrated by Yumi Heo. 32 p., Scholastic, 2008. Even for a happy kid like Katie, sometimes the Jibberwillies come at night. Katie is a competent child, and when that happens, she knows what to do. First, she whispers "go away." But they don't. So next, she tries thinking about nice things. But the Jibberwillies are still there. Having tried to solve the problem on her own, next, she calls her mother. Gentle and wise, her mother offers her a bucket to catch the Jibberwillies. But they're too fast and too slippery, and Katie can't catch them. She's discouraged and hopeless. But her mother has a plan. If Katie will say the Jibberwillies out loud, her mother will catch them in the bucket - and, since Katie suggests this, will throw them out the window. When they do this, Katie can sleep again. Exuberantly illustrated, this story shows kids that by using your creativity, and getting help when you need it, it's possible to feel safe even on scary nights. Ages 4-8
I'll See You In the Morning by Mike Jolley
Illustrated by Mique Moriuchi. 32 p., 2005. Sometimes all that's needed at bedtime is a caring adult's presence and a reassuring metaphor. In this sweet book, the adult narrator gives lots of assurance that s/he will stay nearby, and describes the night as "a blanket that helps the earth to sleep," uniting the child with all the gentle creatures in the world who are under it. With its colorful, childlike, soothing illustrations, this book offers a sense of safety and calm at bedtime. Ages 0-5
Little Raccoon's Big Question by Miriam Schlein
Illustrated by Ian Schoenherr.32 p., Greenwillow, 2004.
A little raccoon asks his mother when she loves him most. He guesses that she might love him most at times when he's adorable, or compliant, or plays well with other raccoon children, or shows his skills. Mother Raccoon explains that she loves him most now, because it's always now. This book is especially nice as a bedtime story, because it not only expresses a soothing message of unconditional love, but also ends with the little raccoon's bedtime.
Ages 3-7
A little raccoon asks his mother when she loves him most. He guesses that she might love him most at times when he's adorable, or compliant, or plays well with other raccoon children, or shows his skills. Mother Raccoon explains that she loves him most now, because it's always now. This book is especially nice as a bedtime story, because it not only expresses a soothing message of unconditional love, but also ends with the little raccoon's bedtime.
Ages 3-7