Time For Bed, Sleepyhead

 A Kid's Book Review: Time for Bed, Sleepyhead, the Falling Asleep Book. Authored by: Daniel G. Amen, M.D., and Illustrated by: Gail Yerrill.

Earlier this summer, I happened upon a pile of books that someone was giving away, and this book was in the stack. I'm always looking to add to Little Pumpkin's library so I flipped through it and thought it might be a good book to have. After returning home, I tried to read through it before reading it to Little Pumpkin. And that's where this review begins...

This book is a story about a Little Bear whose Mama says it's time for bed, and he asks if he has to go to bed, what would happen if he didn't go to sleep, etc. Mama Bear answers his questions and then tells him to close his eyes and use his imagination while she tells him a story. Her story is a very detailed account of Little Bear going to the beach with his friends. It takes up 27 of the 30 pages in the book, and Little Bear is asleep at the end. Throughout the entire story, suggestive key words are used, such as, "You are very, very tired..."  "Everyone feels safe, happy, and warm..." "You stretch and yawn, feeling very drowsy..."

The very first time I read the book, I didn't make it to the end. I thought it was a little bit strange, a bit cumbersome, and quite long and detailed for a toddler. And then I read the author's introduction to the book. The author is a child psychiatrist and states that the book is based off of a bedtime game he used to play with his daughter. So that explained all of the suggestive wording, and the long-drawn out details, and the real purpose of the way this book is written. At least it made more sense to me.

Since then, both Jason and I have tried reading the book to Little Pumpkin, and not necessarily at bedtime. The first time Jason read it to her, part-way through it he stopped and said, "This book is kind of weird." I'm not sure if we have ever been able to read the entire book in one sitting with Little Pumpkin, as she loses interest and wants to move on to another book. The book has never put her to sleep, which considering that she probably doesn't understand the wording, makes sense. But, I'm not sure if the book would put an understanding kiddo to sleep. The power of suggestion is strong, but I'm not sure if this book will really work that way. Although, the introduction does carry the disclaimer to never read the book while in the car, as it may affect the driver!

There is really nothing wrong with this book; it just has not impressed us. It is not our favorite book, by far. The illustrations are nice- very soft, cozy, pastel colored and pretty -but, outside of that, we don't really care for this book. If the power of suggestion works well on your child, than maybe you would have a different experience. Although, I do not think this book fits Little Pumpkin's age (18-24 months), and am not quite sure what age it would fit. This is one of our kids books that may find it's way onto the donation pile.