NO MORE YAWNING!
by Paeony Lewis & illustrated by Brita Granström
“No more yawning. Go to sleep!” states Mom emphatically. Like every other toddler, Florence—or rather, Arnold her stuffed monkey—has trouble settling down to sleep. Arnold’s successive “needs” for kissing, singing, stories, counting sheep and colors, drawing and cutting have Florence yawning more widely while she innocently protests to exacerbated Mom, “We’re trying to sleep, we really are.” Sleep finally arrives to all three just as one “noisy yawn as big as an elephant” escapes from one exhausted parent. Full-page mixed-media drawings of a bit disheveled, tired mom and perky preschooler surround a familiar theme with repetitive phrases. And just in case you didn’t know this, Mom, Florence is ready to provide “Tips on Falling to Sleep” along with her suggested “Dream Scrapbook” of dream drawings for young pre-readers. This British import will provide additional ammunition to the plethora of bedtime-wars books. Peaceful nights and “Sweeeet Dreams!” (Picture book. 3-6)