Snooze-O-RAma: The Strange Ways That Animals Sleep, written by Maria Birmingham and illustrated by Kyle Reed. Owlkids, 2021. $19.95 ages 5 and up

 

"While you and your family fall asleep
under the stars ... 

... a group of whales snoozes under the sea. 

For a long time, it was a mystery how sperm 
whales slept in the deep blue. Now we know 
the huge mammals gather in a pod to doze
near the surface. They bob and drift in one 
spot with their heads pointing up and their 
tails pointing down - almost as if they are 
standing."

Kids are always interested in knowing how we share animal traits. This book is perfect for answering their curiosity about animals and the ways they sleep. There are 12 rituals showcased here; the author compares what animals do when sleeping to the various ways humans slumber. 

To start on the right note, Ms. Birmingham offers a warning about noise. The animals included are ready for bed, and need their sleep in the same way that children do. Then, she invites her readers to follow along and see how they do it. Children cover themselves with blankets when it's time to turn in for the night, while otters cover themselves in seaweed. Children often fall asleep while traveling in a moving car, while frigate birds fly for long periods of time and sleep while they are doing so. And so on ... 

Each new entry begins on the recto with a familiar human bedtime routine. Turn the page and the verso presents the comparison. The book finishes with a meerkat family that sleeps in a heap, just as children do when they share their parents' bed. The author adds a note about the need for sleep - for animals and for children. She explains that all animals don't get the same amount of sleep each night as it is not needed in the same way. Human children should get ten hours of sleep to keep them healthy, both physically and mentally. Sleep times for animals vary greatly. 

Her final question asks her readers where they like to sleep. It is just the right invitation to move the conversation forward. A list for further reading will help those who want to learn more. 

This is a fine information book for reading aloud at bedtime. The design is lovely, The illustrations are bright and inviting. The animals are realistic, as are the children. The rituals are depicted so as to engage those ready for bed.