Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Sleepyhead
Illustrator: John Segal
Board Book
For ages 3 to 5
Simon and Schuster, 2012 ISBN: 978-1442434332
The day is coming to a close, and a kitten is getting Sleepyhead, her teddy bear, ready for bed. Sleepyhead has brushed his teeth and read a book and now, says the kitten, “It's time for bed.” Just like all little toddlers, Sleepyhead asks for one more book. Then he asks for one more hug, even though the kitten and Sleepyhead have “hugged our hugs.”
Just as her mother does, the kitten kisses Sleepyhead and spreads her quilt, which is when Sleepyhead asks for “One more kiss.” The kitten points out that the moon is high in the sky and “You've drunk your drink, Good night, I said. Go to sleep. It's time for bed,” but Sleepyhead still asks for one more drink.
Children are going to smile when they see how the little kitten mother in this book is given the same kind of runaround that all mothers experience at bedtime. Just as the kitten must do on many nights, Sleepyhead keeps asking for one more story, one more drink, one more hug, one more kiss, one more snuggle, and so it goes on.
With its rhythmic text, its loveable characters, and John Segal's sweet, minimal artwork, this board book is sure to become a bedtime favorite with toddlers.
