Books for Inspiration: Peaceful Slumber
Reviews by Alice Ellerby
A Good Night’s Sleep by Emma Chichester Clark, HarperCollins Children’s Books
This story draws on elements of classic fairy tale, but it has a witty and subversive edge. One night, Maudie heads to her house in the woods to get a good night’s sleep. The tension mounts as, alone in the forest, she encounters beast after beast who want to eat her up. But cunning Maudie concocts a series of clever plans to evade the dangerous animals. Nothing can come between this fierce heroine and a good night’s sleep.
500 Dreams: Which One Will You Choose? by Jennifer Eckford, illustrated by Natalia Rojas Castro, Magic Cat Publishing
When the author’s son was struggling with bad dreams, together they would think up a happy dream at bedtime to chase away the nightmares. This book has 500 amazing dreams for children to choose from. There’s a different theme on each colourful spread, such as ice age, mythological odyssey, underwater. As children listen to the rhyming words, they can search for the dream ideas hidden in each busy scene. This absorbing and imaginative book helps children fall asleep with happy thoughts.
Sleep Here, Wake There by Caio Zero, Floris Books
When César goes to bed, he’s in his house; when he wakes up, he’s in his aunty’s house. He’s determined to solve the mystery. Perhaps he’s sleepwalking, or could his bed be a magic portal, or maybe aliens are carrying him there. When he finds out the real reason, it’s just as magical, and a testament to the love and hard work of his mum and the community that supports them.