Common Sense Media Review
By Mandie Caroll
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lovely, relatable story of toddler delaying going to sleep.
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Why Age 3+?
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Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In BEDTIME FOR SWEET CREATURES, an typical toddler doesn't want to go to bed, yelling, "No! No! No!" Mom to the rescue as she coaxes her little one to bed, first by walking away with the child's favorite stuffed bear dangling from her hand. A huge blue bear walks next to Mom, the youngster runs to catch up. Tricked into bed, the toddler roars like a lion, ordering Mom to check under the bed for monsters, as a protective, pink lion perched on the bed looks on. After a story from the bookshelf, there are yawns and koala hugs. "I'm not sleepy," the tired child protests as eyelids droop closed. But wait! A crouching tiger of a child is now on the bed, bounding away for water, going potty once more, then back to bed. But will this child stay asleep? Don't count on it.
Is It Any Good?
This delightful story captivates readers with familiar bedtime struggles and absolutely lovely art. Author Nikki Grimes' words often verge on the poetic, with gems like, "Your bookshelf is noisy with stories," and "you yawn and grind your teeth like a squirrel ready to nibble the night." Young readers of Bedtime for Sweet Creatures will recognize themselves in the toddler's delay tactics and susceptibility to parental tricks (like using Bear to get the tot in bed), and parents will relate to the mom's endless summoning of patience. Illustrator Elizabeth Zunon's colorfully collaged backgrounds and patterned, abstract imaginary animals make this book shine; it's worth owning just for the art. Expressive faces capture the drama of bedtime, and the animals come off as sweet and wily as the child.
One quibble is that the dad doesn't help with (or take on) bedtime. In fact, he in relaxes on the couch with a book while mom tackles the challenge, an image which may reinforce traditional gender roles in parenting for young children. Despite this critique, it's a truly wonderful story with great art that readers of all ages are likely to enjoy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the things the toddler does to avoid going to sleep in Bedtime for Sweet Creatures. Do you do any of those things? Why do you think the child doesn't want to go to sleep? How can parents help their kids go to bed?
What do you think about how the animals are drawn? Which pictures do you like the best? Why?
Who puts kid(s) to bed in your family? What is your bedtime routine like? Is there anything you'd like to do differently that you think would help you get ready to go to sleep?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Elizabeth Zunon
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Adventures , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
- Publication date : January 14, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Hardback
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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