Sleepy Boy

by Polly Kanevsky

During the day, the boy has been to the zoo where he has seen a lion and her cub. As nighttime falls, the boy and his father share a book. It's the boy's bedtime, but the boy is not sleepy. He is still with the lions. Sleepy Boy is a lovely hymn from a new author -- a hymn to day and to night, to awake and to asleep, to mother and child, to father and son.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 25, 2006

Reviews

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book for the illustrations. The story of a child who can't sleep due to the excitement of the day never leaving him is all too familiar. I've been through that before. Beautiful illustrations. Additionally, this book is great for sensory language. It's all about how the child perceives the world around him as he is falling asleep. I don't know how I missed that the first time I read it, but the child describes everything using all of his different senses. Great read aloud for a writing workshop lesson on sensory perception.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

superb illustrations!

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four-year-old specifically requested we read it again the next day

[Kayla Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations and a beautiful storyline. I can tell what the author is going for but it is not blatant enough for little ones to pick up on it.

[Rolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and dreamy. Love the art, and love the representation of daddy snuggle time.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great close-up illustrations that catch lingering energy that makes it hard to sleep, parents's strategies to get kids to sleep, and the in-between time when imagination and everyday reality blend. Very gentle and nicely drowsy.

[Ariel Cummins · Rating 3 out of 5]

When you're not sleepy, it really is hard to get to sleep - especially when you're little. all about a little boy who is trying to go to sleep, but every sound, no matter how soft, seems to be so loud in the quiet of the night.

Watercolor and charcoal drawings and a warm yellow palette give this book a soft cozy evening quality.

Excellent book to read aloud at bedtime!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for sparking imagination and creativity. A little boy struggles to fall asleep as he recalls the day spent at the zoo. Beautifully illustrated. A wonderful book for new fathers to share with a child.

[Naomi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found this book annoying and nonsensical. Basically about a kid who won't go to sleep. It isn't even something that I would read to a child because I wouldn't be sure where it was going. Just very unenjoyable.

[Michele Ripka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations of a story many parents have experienced when trying to coax and cuddle a restless child to sleep.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It captures the moment that many of us have experienced in both words and illustrations.
Erin, you must have this if you don't already!

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations and sweet words. I love that the focus is on a Dad's interaction with his son.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

just when he imagines a lion cub caressing his cheeks.

[Madelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

great at putting daddies to sleep.

[Parker · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is soooo long and the illustrations confused me - so I'm sure a kid would also be confused!

[Karen Gibson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated...a sweet little story.

[Danica Midlil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderfully quiet and sleepy book. Long but gentle and soothing.