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Don't Turn the Page
Like most children, Sami puts off going to bed for as long as possible. But reading a story about Little Bear's bedtime ritual inspires Sami, just as the young reader will be inspired by this soothing story and clever book-within-a-book concept. A bedtime book that both parent and child will relish reading one more time, Don’t Turn the Page! features a surprise ending that reinforces the sense that it’s bedtime for everyone.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published June 10, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 8, 2019
Çox şirin bir hekayə. Kirpi balası yatmazdan qabaq ayı balasının yatma nağılını oxuyur və yatmağa həvəslənir :) Vaqiflə yatmazdan qabaq oxuyuruq son 2 həftədi və onu da həvəsləndirir yatmağa.
February 5, 2018
This was a good book about getting ready for bedtime. A little hedgehog is curious to know how a little bear gets ready for bed, at the same time a little bear is reading about how a hedgehog gets ready for bed! This was a cute book with some winks to the reader. The Illustrations are especially cute! ~Ashley
November 16, 2017
Even better than I was hoping for based on the cover! Both the story and the story within the story are well-written, and the illustrations are just lovely. I think kids will especially enjoy realizing that the book they're reading is the same book the bears in Sami's picture book are reading -- and that the back of Sami's book is the same as the back of this book.
Note: I received a copy of this book through the Goodreads First Reads program.
Note: I received a copy of this book through the Goodreads First Reads program.
June 22, 2014
No kid ever willingly wants to go to bed, but a good story can rarely be stopped after only one page. This book uses a child's own curiosity to convince them to get into bed, and just maybe, to fall asleep.
The unique thing about Don't Turn the Page it that it has a story within a story. When you get to the end, the two stories come together in a pretty cool way.
I very much liked the illustrations in the book. The colors are muted, and this is very good if you are trying to get your child to calm down. The hedgehogs are cute, and though my son wondered why they had "sharp needles" on their backs, I think on the whole he was not threatened by them.
I think what's cool is that you could read either part of this story separately as it's own bedtime story, but reading it as a whole will help your child with their bedtime routine. My son is nearly six, so it's getting hard to trick him into doing things. I would recommend this story for younger children, around 3-4.
The unique thing about Don't Turn the Page it that it has a story within a story. When you get to the end, the two stories come together in a pretty cool way.
I very much liked the illustrations in the book. The colors are muted, and this is very good if you are trying to get your child to calm down. The hedgehogs are cute, and though my son wondered why they had "sharp needles" on their backs, I think on the whole he was not threatened by them.
I think what's cool is that you could read either part of this story separately as it's own bedtime story, but reading it as a whole will help your child with their bedtime routine. My son is nearly six, so it's getting hard to trick him into doing things. I would recommend this story for younger children, around 3-4.
January 21, 2016
Sami does not want to go to bed. So when Mama suggests a story, Sami won't let her turn the pages. She wants to put off going to bed as long as possible. But curiosity is a very hard thing to ignore. Soon Mama finds herself reading a fun little story about a sleepy bear.
The illustrations are beautiful and my 5 yr old loved looking at each page. They matched perfectly with the story and were full of details. The story within a story is delightful and will amuse even the most sleepy children. This book didn't make my daughter tired. In fact, I had to read it several times. The author did a great job of capturing the attention with humor and a flowing rhythmic story. This book is definitely a keeper.
I received this book free of charge from JKS Communications in exchange for my honest review.
The illustrations are beautiful and my 5 yr old loved looking at each page. They matched perfectly with the story and were full of details. The story within a story is delightful and will amuse even the most sleepy children. This book didn't make my daughter tired. In fact, I had to read it several times. The author did a great job of capturing the attention with humor and a flowing rhythmic story. This book is definitely a keeper.
I received this book free of charge from JKS Communications in exchange for my honest review.
June 12, 2018
This book is great for building student's cognitive understanding of the skill of patience. This book is a book inside a book, it is about a porcupine mother and daughter reading a story and they want to stop reading, yet they keep turning pages. This will be a positive lesson for students to think about sustaining attention as well as taking time to reflect on what is being said outlaid or in a text.
August 25, 2023
Bedtime rituals are indispensible for helping children to establish a scream-free nighttime routine. For that reason, I recommend this low-key story about the bedtime ritual for Sami, aka "Little Bear."
Of course, reading books is part of this lovely ritual for Sami. So why, toward the end, does Mama tell him this?
Don't turn the page.
No spoiler from me, but this is ending is amazingly clever.
FIVE STARS, and praise for author Rachelle Burk and illustrator Julie Downing.
Of course, reading books is part of this lovely ritual for Sami. So why, toward the end, does Mama tell him this?
Don't turn the page.
No spoiler from me, but this is ending is amazingly clever.
FIVE STARS, and praise for author Rachelle Burk and illustrator Julie Downing.
July 20, 2024
A book within a book, but also the book is in the book. Figure that one out! :D A porcupine is getting ready for bed, but he doesn't want his mama to turn the page of the book because he doesn't want to go to bed yet. But he wants to know what happens next in the story! So slowly the book gets read. Very sweet with lovely illustrations.
December 8, 2017
We got this book of the library for my nieces because of the reviews on Goodreads and my nieces loved it so much, I just ordered them their own copy. The girls have definite opinions on books and this one became a quick favorite, though I think the library will be happy to have their copy back.
October 25, 2023
Two stories in one book--how lucky can you get!? A sweet story about a little girl who doesn't think she is ready to go to bed--or is she? I also love the soft, cozy illustrations. A cozy bedtime book.
August 12, 2025
A perfect bedtime story packed with rhymes and alliteration. 🥹 The illustration is so tender and dreamy. I love the “book-in-a-book” part and the cross reference (the bear in the book has a stuffed hedgehog and Sami the hedgehog has a teddy bear).
May 17, 2017
Two stories for the price of one! Neat concept.
January 9, 2018
Love the concept of the story within a story. Well done! Adorable bedtime story.
December 22, 2018
Book inside a book. the photos were our favorite part.
February 8, 2019
This book is a "book within a book" . It is very sweet! I love the illustrations.
August 14, 2019
Beautiful Bedtime Story
January 8, 2021
Sami's natural curiosity keeps her asking questions through a whole book! But with each flip of the page, bedtime draws ever nearer.
January 1, 2023
This book is a little bit meta, with the bedtime stories each within each other. Fun to notice the same thing in the illustrations too. Makes your head spin a little!
April 24, 2024
Super cute story and illustrations.
January 6, 2018
Rachelle Burk has written a book that is perfect for bedtime. So often children don't want to go to bed. This story is all about Sami who doesn't want to go to bed, but thanks to the story about a little bear Sami finds herself getting ready for bed.
October 3, 2014
Don’t Turn the Page! is a cozy bedtime tale that capitalizes on a universal truth: Children will resist going to bed. Burk and Downing cleverly execute this idea as a book-within-a-book featuring a cuddly hedgehog and a sleepy bear cub.
Although Sami Hedgehog doesn’t want to stop playing with blocks, she is eager to hear just the first page of her new book. Cuddled on the couch, we - the readers - peer over Mama Hedgehog’s shoulder to learn about sleepy Little Bear of Rambling Woods who is getting ready for bed. Although they stop after one page, Sami begins to wonder “How do bears get ready for bed?” so Mama reads on. Inspired by Little Bear, Sami is gently encouraged to follow her own bedtime preparations step by step, page by page.
Burk divides the text into rhythmic rhyme for obedient Little Bear’s nightly routine. Sami’s story is told in prose, punctuated perfectly with her repeated, resistant command, “Don’t turn the page.” Mama Hedgehog is ever patient and reasonable, adapting to Sami’s sleepy pace as the book unfolds.
Downing masterfully weaves the two tales seamlessly together through clever illustrations that show clues of the story-in-story on each page in alternating fashion. Different typefaces and thick page borders also reinforce the message about which story is being told and ties it neatly together in the end. The creatures are charming, and the soft colors are rich and muted. A special treat are the book’s endpapers, which echo the animal’s pajamas!
Don’t Turn the Page! is an endearing winner for bedtime reading. There may be no guarantee that kids will ever willingly get ready for bed, but I’m willing to bet that they will ask for this book to be read again and again.
Although Sami Hedgehog doesn’t want to stop playing with blocks, she is eager to hear just the first page of her new book. Cuddled on the couch, we - the readers - peer over Mama Hedgehog’s shoulder to learn about sleepy Little Bear of Rambling Woods who is getting ready for bed. Although they stop after one page, Sami begins to wonder “How do bears get ready for bed?” so Mama reads on. Inspired by Little Bear, Sami is gently encouraged to follow her own bedtime preparations step by step, page by page.
Burk divides the text into rhythmic rhyme for obedient Little Bear’s nightly routine. Sami’s story is told in prose, punctuated perfectly with her repeated, resistant command, “Don’t turn the page.” Mama Hedgehog is ever patient and reasonable, adapting to Sami’s sleepy pace as the book unfolds.
Downing masterfully weaves the two tales seamlessly together through clever illustrations that show clues of the story-in-story on each page in alternating fashion. Different typefaces and thick page borders also reinforce the message about which story is being told and ties it neatly together in the end. The creatures are charming, and the soft colors are rich and muted. A special treat are the book’s endpapers, which echo the animal’s pajamas!
Don’t Turn the Page! is an endearing winner for bedtime reading. There may be no guarantee that kids will ever willingly get ready for bed, but I’m willing to bet that they will ask for this book to be read again and again.
October 15, 2014
"Don’t Turn the Page," by Rachelle Burk, with art by Julie Downing, is an utter delight. It’s an endearing story within a story. Such a great story idea! Mother hedgehog has a new bedtime story to read to her little Sami, who is reluctant to go to bed. But Sami is curious and wants to see what the story is about. It’s about a mother bear and her little bear boy getting ready for bed. Soon Sami is copying what the little bear is doing in the story and tells Mother, “Don’t turn the page,” while she’s getting ready for bed. In the new book, the mother bear is also reading a bedtime story to her little bear—so you see a story within a story, with another story there, too.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and wish it had been around when I was reading bedtime stories to my little girl. I say stories, since one was never enough! But this one would quickly become a favorite, since kids love to imitate what they see in stories. I appreciate the author clearly spelling out the bedtime routine. It’s a good way to get kids involved in preparing for bed—especially brushing teeth—always hard at our house.
The artwork by Julie Downing is warm and inviting. It’s very clear what’s happening in the story. The appealing animal characters, in their warm and cozy homes, add to the the reader’s enjoyment. I highly recommend this story to all parents as the perfect bedtime read aloud story. Thank you Rachelle Burk and Julie Downing for such a cute, sweet, and charming bedtime story book.
Don’t Turn the Page is published by Creston Books http://www.crestonbooks.co/books.html
and available from quality online bookstores, such as Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
More information on Rachelle Burk is at http://rachelleburk-authorvisits.blog...
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and wish it had been around when I was reading bedtime stories to my little girl. I say stories, since one was never enough! But this one would quickly become a favorite, since kids love to imitate what they see in stories. I appreciate the author clearly spelling out the bedtime routine. It’s a good way to get kids involved in preparing for bed—especially brushing teeth—always hard at our house.
The artwork by Julie Downing is warm and inviting. It’s very clear what’s happening in the story. The appealing animal characters, in their warm and cozy homes, add to the the reader’s enjoyment. I highly recommend this story to all parents as the perfect bedtime read aloud story. Thank you Rachelle Burk and Julie Downing for such a cute, sweet, and charming bedtime story book.
Don’t Turn the Page is published by Creston Books http://www.crestonbooks.co/books.html
and available from quality online bookstores, such as Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
More information on Rachelle Burk is at http://rachelleburk-authorvisits.blog...
September 4, 2025
For the little ones that aren't quite ready for bed ... or at least think they aren't. They'll relate to this tale.
Ages: 3 - 5
Here’s a few of our bedtime favs: watch my reel!
Content Considerations: nothing to note.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide Content Considerations, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
If you’re considering a book or looking for a new title to read, check out my highly categorized shelves, read my reviews and Friend or Follow me to spiff up your feed with clean, wholesome, living books.
I have an Instagram account that’s pretty bookishly unique too!
Ages: 3 - 5
Here’s a few of our bedtime favs: watch my reel!
Content Considerations: nothing to note.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide Content Considerations, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
If you’re considering a book or looking for a new title to read, check out my highly categorized shelves, read my reviews and Friend or Follow me to spiff up your feed with clean, wholesome, living books.
I have an Instagram account that’s pretty bookishly unique too!
July 27, 2016
As soon as a book starts off with someone living inside a tree, I am interested. This one did not disappoint. Even the endpapers are fun, polka dots on blue in the front, stars on red on the back. Someone at Creston Books is paying attention.
A porcupine is trying to delay bedtime by delaying a book but each page of the Little Bear of Rambling Woods is so compelling, another must follow...after she imitates the action in the story. The art is enchanting - details like a leaves serving as picture frames, cobweb curtains, brushing one's teeth in a stream by lantern light (who wouldn't want to do that?), and the illustration of little bear's face when he falls asleep (that face!) all pair perfectly with the sweet story of the little bear and his fuzzy socks and growly yawns. I was more smitten by the little bear than the little porcupine but hard not to be with that little fuzzy face. The surprise at the very end will delight - however it will also make for calls of "read it again" with a new insight to the characters. Save extra time at bedtime for this small gentle gem.
A porcupine is trying to delay bedtime by delaying a book but each page of the Little Bear of Rambling Woods is so compelling, another must follow...after she imitates the action in the story. The art is enchanting - details like a leaves serving as picture frames, cobweb curtains, brushing one's teeth in a stream by lantern light (who wouldn't want to do that?), and the illustration of little bear's face when he falls asleep (that face!) all pair perfectly with the sweet story of the little bear and his fuzzy socks and growly yawns. I was more smitten by the little bear than the little porcupine but hard not to be with that little fuzzy face. The surprise at the very end will delight - however it will also make for calls of "read it again" with a new insight to the characters. Save extra time at bedtime for this small gentle gem.
March 28, 2015
Sami puts off going to bed as long as possible, and Mama tries to make it more appealing by reading a bedtime story. Sami only wants Mama to read one page, but one page leads to another, and another, and before she knows it, she's fast asleep. Since the read aloud being shared is another bedtime story, the last pages of the book feature two different woodland families--a bear and a hedgehog--with the little ones tucked snuggly in bed, and their mothers watching over them. I like the fact that Mama Bear is carrying the very same book the other mother was reading--only with a different animal on the cover. The story within a story makes this one particularly appealing.
May 8, 2014
Hott Synopsis:
It’s getting late and Sami isn’t ready for a bedtime story. A story maybe but definitely not a bedtime story.
Maybe if Mama only reads one page Sami won’t get sleepy… but only one.
Hott Review:
I loved this adorable little tale. It so reminded me of wonderful evenings putting the kids to bed. I can’t wait to share!
Though the story is captivating it’s the illustrations will have you staring for hours. I loved each and every one!!!
More…
Author: Rachelle Burk, Julie Downing (Ill)
Source: JKS Communications in exchange for an honest review
Grade: A
Ages: 2-8
It’s getting late and Sami isn’t ready for a bedtime story. A story maybe but definitely not a bedtime story.
Maybe if Mama only reads one page Sami won’t get sleepy… but only one.
Hott Review:
I loved this adorable little tale. It so reminded me of wonderful evenings putting the kids to bed. I can’t wait to share!
Though the story is captivating it’s the illustrations will have you staring for hours. I loved each and every one!!!
More…
Author: Rachelle Burk, Julie Downing (Ill)
Source: JKS Communications in exchange for an honest review
Grade: A
Ages: 2-8
February 18, 2023
I know the tendency in modern picture books is to lean toward fewer words, but this one is worth a few extra words per page and recalls the comfy enchantment of longer bedtime reads. Burk expertly weaves together two sweet bedtime tales, one in prose, and one in rhyme, with delightfully lovable and furry critters that young readers are sure to enjoy. The soft but detailed illustrations bring both narrative threads to life. My 7yo, who I thought might have outgrown it since earlier readings, still enjoyed every sleepy word.
Read
February 12, 2015
DON'T TURN THE PAGE!
Rather than tossing and turning in bed, getting all twisted up in the covers, here's a bedtime story with a twist of its own. Read along with Sami the porcupine and Little Bear, as they work their way into bed. You'll love the circular storyline and Julie Downing's soft, beautiful illustrations will have you all cozied-up by the end.
This is a great addition to your library of bedtime books :)
This is a great addition to your library of bedtime books :)
August 5, 2015
I almost passed on this book - I'm glad I listened to the bookseller's recommendation - what a lovely bedtime story. My 2 1/2 year-old wanted to do everything that Sami & Little Bear of Rambling Woods did - put on jammies (too warm for fuzzy slippers), chose a storybook, brush her teeth, climb into bed, snuggle with Mama, listen to Mama read a book, and kiss Mama goodnight.
This book will definitely be added to our bedtime story collection.
This book will definitely be added to our bedtime story collection.
June 23, 2014
A young hedgehog makes her way through her bedtime routines as the little bear in her bedtime story does the same. With each step in the process, Sami the hedgehog tells her mother not to turn the page, but curiosity wins out every time and they eventually finish the book.
A good bedtime read with thoughtful questions asked as she contemplates the story. PreK-2.
A good bedtime read with thoughtful questions asked as she contemplates the story. PreK-2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews