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So Sleepy Story (by Uri Shulevitz)

common sense media says

Kids won't tire of whimsical bedtime story.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that nothing objectionable is presented in this gentle, comforting picture book. Some may find the shadowy depictions of the sleepy world a bit dark and creepy, but most will think them dreamy and artistic.

Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on So Sleepy Story

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how it feels to go to sleep at night, how it feels to wake up when everyone else is asleep, and what sounds can be heard when the rest of the world is quiet. They might talk about dreams or bedtime routines. They could also talk about color and music: What colors or sounds are sleepy, and which are active and awake?

What's the story?

What's the story?
The whole house and the world around it is asleep until music drifts in, waking first the tables and chairs, the dishes, the cat, and then the boy. Everything begins to dance though the boy only listens...until the music softly drifts away and, peacefully, the world goes back to sleep.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Soft-sounding words and whimsical drawings create a comforting nighttime world in this wonderfully artistic book. Kids will enjoy the gentle repetition of simple language and alliterative sounds coupled with drawings reminiscent of Mother Goose books. Kids will also enjoy the message: Even when the boy is awakened by music floating through his window, he isn't jarred, but just listens until the music drifts away. This book might help reassure kids who are having trouble with their own nighttime sleep.

The playful and original illustrations carry the plot, which is more poem than story. Clever details fill the pages, and color shifts to show the sleeping world as opposed to the awakening one. This book is playful and fun yet gentle and soothing -- a great choice for a bedtime story.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Uri Shulevitz
Illustrator: Uri Shulevitz
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Publication date: August 11, 2006
Number of pages: 32
Hardcover price: $16.00
Read Aloud: 3
Read Alone: 5
This review was written by Patricia Tauzer
 
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines