Song Of Night: It's Time To Go To Bed

by Katherine Riley Nakamura, Linnea Riley (Illustrator)

A soothing good-night picture book in the spirit of Time for Bed (Mem Fox/Jane Dyer) where cuddly baby animals and their loving parents prepare for bed. Stunning illustrations.

As night falls, all the little animals are in their homes getting ready for bedtime. A young duckling splashes in the bathtub as his mother looks on. Two kittens snuggle up to their papa cat as he reads a bedtime story. A bear cub gets a nice back-rub before she climbs into bed. A daddy bear sings quietly as his baby drifts off to sleep. Every spread is filed with Riley's gentle, humorous details--the baby bunny has bunny slippers, a busy ladybug cavorts across the pages--and children will find dozens of small images to amuse them and hold their attention while their parents are reading. All over, little animals and their parents prepare for sleep, just like little children and their parents do.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Storytime, Fiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2002

Reviews

[ms. hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kiddos were not the biggest fans of this book. It was hard to keep their attention while reading. However, there were a few that liked it and gave it a thumbs up! ◡̈

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet and simple bedtime book featuring beautiful illustrations of animals. Might work in a babytime.

[Matthew Horhoruw · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Song of Night," written by Katherine Riley Nakamura and Linnea Riley, is a heartwarming bedtime story that shows parents getting their children ready for bed. It's a book filled with love and affection, highlighting the special bond between parents and their kids. For many children, being tucked into bed and reading a bedtime story is a cherished part of their bedtime routine, a time when they feel safe, loved, and cared for. As an Asian American who grew up with hardworking parents, you may not have had the same bedtime experiences as some other children. Your parents' dedication to work might have meant they couldn't always be there for these moments. In that way, "Song of Night" can be like a window into a different world, one that is often depicted in American culture. This book is a reflection of what is often considered a typical American experience, seen in movies, books, and the lives of many American families. It's a reminder that cultural experiences can vary, and what's common in one culture may be different in another. Despite these differences, the love between parents and children is universal, whether it's expressed through bedtime stories or other meaningful moments. "Song of Night" celebrates this universal love and the diverse ways it is expressed in different families and cultures.

[Ursula · Rating 5 out of 5]

 
Very sweet with great illustrations.
 

[Trish Banda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book for bedtime! Wonderful pictures of animals and their families going to bed and what they do with the added fun of rhyming.

[Y.Poston]

gorgeous illustrations & adorable story

[Santhiago Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is “the book” the one he would request every night…

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book written by an amazing person! An insperational educator, mother, and writer. (So i've heard).

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Large oil pastel illustrations without outlines enhance the soft, soothing tone of this bedtime book for young children. A mother rabbit puts her baby to bed while she tells of all the other creatures preparing for sleep in gently rhyming verses. My only quibble with this book is Nakamura's inclusion of skunks in the bedtime rituals. With countless other possibilities, why did she choose a nocturnal animal? This flaw won't bother children, but it gnaws at me every time I see it!

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful, rhyming song that is perfect to read as a bedtime story. The illustrations are soft, fuzzy and cute animals who are going through their bedtime routines and going to sleep. We really enjoyed this book!

[Monalisa Johnson-brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is about the animals tucking their babies to bed. They take a shower first which is given by mother and then it is bedtime. There parents sing lullabies, rub their bodies, read stories and turn the lights down low so that they can sleep. The moon iis bright but fades as they fall asleep.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

sweetest illustrations of different animals during bedtime ritual. would make a great bedtime book/gift for new baby.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me go Ahhhhhhh....so cute. The rhyming story so sweet and the illustrations so soft. I felt like taking a nap after I read it. Very cute bedtime story.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the animals are going through the rituals of going to bed

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids love to have this book read to them before they go to bed. It's fun for them to hear about how all of the critters get ready for bed.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated, this sweet bedtime story of animal parents putting their children to bed is a good relaxing nighttime tale.

[Awjtf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The typical bedtime routine as seen through the eyes of multiple different animals. Sweet and simple with soft illustrations. Not amazing, but definitely workable for story time.

[Melanie]

bedtime

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect bedtime rhyming book that goes through bedtime routines with a lovely little ending.