Sleepy Book

by Charlotte Zolotow, Stefano Vitale

Simple, lyrical language and luminous paintings reveal a world peacefully asleep--from bears in their dark caves and caterpillars in their silky cocoons to dogs lying near someone they love.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1958

About the author

Charlotte Zolotow was a distinguished American writer, editor, and publisher who made a lasting mark on children's literature. Over her career, she authored around 70 picture book texts and edited works by prominent writers including Paul Zindel, Robert Lipsyte, and Francesca Lia Block. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, she studied writing at the University of Wisconsin Madison and later joined Harper & Bros in New York, where she worked her way up from secretary to publisher. Her own books were published by over 20 houses, and she became known for her poetic and emotionally insightful texts. Zolotow’s most celebrated works include When the Wind Stops, William’s Doll, and River Winding. Her story "Enemies" was featured in The Big Book for Peace alongside other notable authors. She lived for many years in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. Her legacy endures not only through her own writing but also through the Charlotte Zolotow Award, established in 1998 to honor outstanding picture book texts. Her contributions helped shape modern children's literature with sensitivity, elegance, and enduring relevance.

Reviews

[KC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this bedtime book filled with all different types of creatures settling down for a good night's sleep.

[Nicola · Rating 2 out of 5]

Talks about the different ways that animals sleep.

Miss 4 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story that fits the bill for your bedtime need.

Ages: 3 - 7

Here’s a few of our bedtime favs: watch my reel!

Content Considerations: nothing to note.

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[Pamela Hatch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sleepy Book / by Charlotte Zolotow; pictures by Stefano Vitale -- New York : HarperCollins Publishers, text c1958, renewed 1986; illustrations c2001. (36 pages)

SUMMARY: Describes how each animal sleeps in its own special place, in its own special way (verso)

REVIEW: this story was written in 1958 and has been illustrated many times over the years. My personal favorite was illustrated by Vladimir Bobri; because that is the one that I grew up with. The illustrations were muted gray, white, and black as if nighttime colors. My second favorite illustrations were done in 1988 by Ilse Plume. In 2001, Stefano Vitale also illustrated an edition.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a basic book but more than just a few words on a page. A beginning reader should be able to read this with some help. Each page talks about a certain animal and their sleeping habits. The basic illustrations go hand in hand with the nicely written story. My 3 year old granddaughter sat and enjoyed this book as I read it out loud to her.

[Melinda Garman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book about the importance of sleep and the stages of sleep. Tells how different animals sleep. Would be a fun book to read to Pre-K before nap time, or Kindergaten or 1st grade to teach about the importance of sleep.

[Michele Ripka · Rating 3 out of 5]

A charming look at where animals and insects sleep.

[Gail · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice pictures.

[Joshua's Mom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joshua's (4 years) favorite part: The funny, funny crane that looks like a flower (giggle giggle).

Fun idea for a book. Something is missing for me in the text though.

[Keegan Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tells about where/how different animals sleep. The one we read had a different illustrator (Ilse Plume). The kids all really liked it.

[Janae · Rating 4 out of 5]

A peaceful, poetic story that perfect for a "simmer down" story at night.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each page shows how one type of animal sleeps. The illustrations are simple with little text to impede your view.

Good for toddler or preschool storytimes.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for a read-aloud with Pre-K. Nice illustrations.

[Jennifer B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a great bedtime story!

[Jennifer Parker · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is good for toddlers as it shares the different ways that animals sleep.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at how and where different animals sleep.

Warning: this book may make you sleepy with its muted tones and all the illustrations of animals curled up to sleep. It is quick and informative, and I really like the unique design and color scheme of the book (even if it is a bit soporific). Would make a great bedtime read.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book of how different animals sleep in different ways.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet book. Mentions how different animals sleep.