Don't Close Your Eyes: A Silly Bedtime Story by Bob Hostetler & published by Thomas Nelson

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My thoughts:  The artist beautifully renders twilight and deepening shadows of the evening and bedtime in shades of blue that are comforting and appealing instead of the blackness that is often scary to a small child. So a real plus for capturing this so nicely. Then the variety of animals portrayed in familiar bedtime settings is quite appealing and they are drawn with cute charm.

The story is told in rhyme that flows nicely but isn't perfect. All authors are not Robert Louis Stevenson, but many are quite good and this is a good rhyming story.

The premise is a sort of fun reverse psychology for when a child doesn't want to go to sleep and you tell them to go ahead and stay awake - don't close your eyes. Just stay in bed and don't close your eyes. Well, soon that little one will be sleeping away. Well, hopefully it works.

Let's face it. This is a charming board book with softened padded cover. And parents and kiddies can joke around about not closing your eyes all night long. The ending is quite cute and speaks of dreaming of each other. A sweet little thought with which to end the day.

Of note, this is published by Thomas Nelson Publishing (Tommy Nelson) which is a Christian publishing house. The book, however, makes no mention of Christianity, the Bible, or God. Not a problem; just that it makes the book appealing to secular audiences that want a sweet book for a little one.

About the book: Do your little ones resist going to sleep? Lull them to sleep with a fun bedtime challenge in Don’t Close Your Eyes!

Children have a lot of fun packed into a day, and they don't always want it to end. Award-winning author Bob Hostetler capitalizes on this by challenging little ones to keep their eyes open, no matter how heavy their eyelids may get. The soft rhymes about animals preparing for sleep will help them settle down until they finally close their eyes and sleep!

With silly and adorable characters whose sleepy faces will make you laugh out loud, Don’t Close Your Eyes is a unique bedtime book that your child will reach for again and again. Get ready for bed and say your prayers, but whatever you do, don't close your eyes!

DISCLOSURE: I recived a complimentary copy from the BookLook Review program on behalf of Thomas Nelson Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Two delightful young children's books: The Secret Cat by Katarina Strömgård & A Story That Grows by Gilles Bacheiet [Review & Giveaway]

A Story That Grows by Gilles Bachelet

My thoughts:  Detailed, whimsical illustrations in bold primary colors punctuating beautiful pastels are set on a stark white background offering opportunity to grasp every detail the artist has painstakingly included in the delightful story.

We are taken through an menagerie of critters (including a real human Daddy) tucking little ones into bed and reading the beloved bedtime story. And after you've read the short text on a couple of two-page spreads, it dawns upon you that there is a pattern being set forth. The tiny stuffed critter the child lovingly holds on one page becomes the "parent" on the next page.

And then you see that the author has taken you through a host of just what stories are meant to do..... grows, melts (we've all read something that just melted our hearts), turns topsy-turvy, lasts. Some books go on and on and last and last. Some just fly by. The same is true of bedtime stories.

I like the statement on the back cover...."No evening is complete without a bedtime story. And there are as many different stories as there are moms, and dads, and kids."

I recommend this  book.

About the book: A whimsical bedtime book perfect for sharing

Reading stories is a cherished bedtime ritual, a special moment that parents savor with their children—no matter what their species! In this funny yet tender book, a stork reads to her chick in their rooftop nest, a walrus tucks his calf into an igloo cradle, and an alien tells his child a story in zero gravity.

Both parents and children will fall in love with the adorable cast of characters in this charming book.

The Secret Cat by Katarina Strömgård

My thoughts:  Many children have imaginary friends and this little girl has an imaginary pet - a cat. She is not allowed to have one so one appears behind the wallpaper of her bedroom and then emerges. She is a Secret Cat and so is different. So secret that she is there but she is not visible to anyone but the child.

The child and secret cat set forth on a nighttime journey of the neighborhood and the cat grows, and grows, and becomes her fierce protector.

I really like the book. I can see the story of an imaginary pet or imaginary playmate being there for a child since it is a mechanism many children employ for various reasons - loneliness, boredom, need. And I can see it as a way that children cope with a variety of issues. But this is a children's book. So while I really like it - story and beautiful art - I think parents should read it before purchasing it.

If your child has nightmares, this might be problematic. Or if handled correctly, it might be a tool to help the child. Again, I really like the book. I wouldn't hesitate to read it to my children if it had been available while they were growing up. (And one of mine did have an imaginary friend.)

There is nothing really scary even though there is another secret pet that is a meanie but this child's secret cat overcomes the "evil" pet so this is good.

I recommend with consideration.

About the book: An imaginative book for anyone who’s ever wanted a pet

Lucy wants a pet more than anything, even though her mom always says no. But one night, Lucy hears a scratching sound from behind her wallpaper, and a ghostly cat named Silvring appears. Silvring takes Lucy on an adventure and introduces her to a world filled with secret pets just like hers. Not all the secret pets are as friendly as Silvring, though.

Filled with magical realism, this beautiful book will resonate with animal lovers of all ages.

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of each book to facilitate a review. Opinions expressed are solely mine and are freely given. Giveaway copies are provided and shipped directly to the winner by Eerdman Publishing.