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Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Sleepy Bird, written and illustrated by Jeremy Tankard. Scholastic, 2024. $9.99 ages 2 and up

 


"Bird stormed off. 
If no one would play with him,
he would just walk forever. 

After a little while, 
his wings drooped. 
His legs crumpled.

It's lovely to see Sleepy Bird return to bookshelves as a board book. Little ones will be delighted to get their hands (and perhaps their teeth) on it. Bird is a loved character who shares the same emotions small children have felt: sadness when hurt, hunger, and grumpiness. 

If you are a parent or caregiver, you are likely to have experienced the drama of bedtime. Bird does it up with panache, insisting that he is not even close to being ready to cuddle up and say good night. Instead, he wants to PARTY! Fox is ready to tuck in, and disturbed by Bird's noise. Fox offers his blankie for comfort. Bird is eager to play. Fox is tired. 

Beaver reminds Bird that it's late and time for bed. Perhaps a story will help him settle. Once again, Bird is not interested in sleep. Rabbit offers a stuffed kitty; Bird is not impressed by that suggestion in the least. Bird is sure nocturnal Raccoon will be up for play. Instead, Raccoon suggests a lullaby.

By the time he gets to Sheep's place, Bird is pretty annoyed. When Sheep suggests counting sheep, and there is only one of her, Bird stomps off. It doesn't take long for signs of fatigue to emerge. In tears, Bird laments the fact that he is not tired and wonders why on earth he should go to sleep. When they hear him crying, his friends are quick to respond. They gather round, offering comfort and everything needed for Bird to find the rest that has been eluding him. 

The surprise ending will have little ones chuckling and begging for more! 

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