Bertie at Bedtime

by Marcus Pfister

The acclaimed creator of THE RAINBOW FISH series returns with Bertie, an irrepressible hippo who's not quite ready for bed. Bertie might wear his daddy out before he's actually ready for sleep.

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

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Marcus Pfister was born in Berne, Switzerland, and began his career as a graphic artist in an advertising agency. In 1983, he decided to dedicate more time to artistic pursuits, and began to write and illustrate his first book, The Sleepy Owl, which was published in 1986. His best-known work to date is The Rainbow Fish, which has remained on bestseller lists across the United States since 1992.

Marcus does most of his illustrations for children's books in watercolors. He begins each book by stretching watercolor paper over a wooden board so that it won't warp when wet. He then copies his rough sketches onto the paper in pencil. At this point, he is ready to begin painting. For backgrounds and blended contours, he uses wet paint on wet paper to get a softer effect. For sharper details, he first lets the paper dry, then paints the final picture layer by layer. When the illustration is complete he cuts the paper from the wooden board.

For books that feature holographic foil stamping, he then tapes a piece of transparent film over the art and indicates with a black marker where the foil stamping should be. The foil stamping is then applied during the production process after the pages are printed and before the final binding.

Marcus and his wife, Kathryn, work together in Berne, where they live with their three children.

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Parents will certainly recognize their own kids in Bertie's unwillingness to go to sleep, but hopefully real-life mommies and daddies will be more firm with their real-life kiddos. :)

[Jennifer B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bertie is a cute and playful hippo who doesn't want to go to bed. I like how his daddy is the one taking care of him in this book. The drawings are borderline creepy yet cute.

[Andrea · Rating 1 out of 5]

We did NOT like this book. Bertie is, indeed, "an irrepressible hippo who's not quite ready for bed," but we did not feel that this was an appropriate book for parents who are trying to teach their children to do what they're asked, when they're asked. Bertie's dilly-dallying and defiance are irritating by the third page, and he is never reprimanded, chastised, or punished for what I interpret as blatant disobedience. Furthermore, I found this surprising from the author of the Rainbow Fish books, which are annoyingly heavy-handed with lessons and morals.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bertie the Hippo is simply adorable, drawn adorable and then acting adorably.

With this book by Marcus Pfister, it's the first time I've ever wanted to give a hug to a picture book animal of every kind; but I just want to cuddle this little guy.

All the nonverbal aspects of this picture book make Bertie extra adorable.

AND THERE'S MORE ADORABLENESS

Language throughout is perfect for picture book age, sometimes revealing the author's sense of humor. For example:

"Then can we play?" Bertie asks.
"As soon as you have brushed your teeth," says Daddy.
Bertie likes to brush his teeth.
He doesn't have too many."

And Goodreaders, take a good look at his toothbrush.

FIVE STARS for this book. Reading Marcus's words and relishing his illustrations, I feel as though this book gives me a guest pass to Toddler Heaven.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bertie doesn't want to go and invents step after step in his bedtime routine to try and lengthen out his time to stay awake. I think all parents will related to this book, either as a parent or as a child or both.

** Talking Points - What was your bedtime routine as a child? What is it now? What helps you to sleep now? What helped you sleep as a child? What parts did your mom and dad play in your bedtime routine.

** Essential Oil Pairing Tip - doTERRA's Serenity essential oil blend is definitely the oil you'll want to be diffusing as you read this bedtime story. Whether you are trying to put your little one to bed, or whether you're having a hard time shutting down and going to sleep yourself I think you'll love the calming and relaxing blend.

[Hannah Smith-Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a cute story about things that Bertie must do before he goes to bed for the night. The illustrations are very well done and the book would help students work on a routine of what to do before bed. It would be a good way for students to get in the habit of reading before bedtime as well. Cute book, but only really useful for face value.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used this book for my Toddler Bedtime storytime and thought it was adorable. Bertie is a young hippo who doesn't want to go to bed until he can play with his Daddy. They play hide and seek, read a story, dance and sing before Bertie finally goes to bed with Daddy and then Daddy falls asleep first. Recommended for ages 2-6, 3 stars.

[Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bertie's pretty darling. I've seen Bertie: Just Like Daddy come across the desk several times and always wanted to stop and read it, but this was the first time I could actually snag a Bertie book and sit down with it.

Begs the question: is Bertie in a single-parent family?

[Julia G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A La Cama, Hipo is an excellent book for bilingual, lower elementary story. Great story to go along with any books about children not wanting to go to bed. This book helps on teaching students a great lesson and the students really enjoyed the hippo character.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet bedtime routine: getting the kid to bed whilst respecting their genuine needs is quite a task.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bertie is the bomb! Bertie and his daddy make Zane want to read!

[Brandee B · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED THIS BOOK, too cute!