About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is experiencing the late-night jitters or that specific brand of preschooler anxiety that hits when the lights go out. It is the perfect remedy for the child who feels like the only soul awake in a world that has suddenly become too quiet and too dark. The story follows a small dog who stays awake while his family sleeps, finding a silent companion in the moon that watches over the whole world. Through Chris Raschka's signature gestural art and gentle rhyme, the book validates the feeling of being wide awake while normalizing the experience of night. It reframes the darkness from something empty and scary into a space that is shared and protected. Ideal for ages 2 to 5, this is a comforting choice for establishing a sense of security and belonging during the bedtime transition.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with childhood fear of the dark and nighttime anxiety. The approach is metaphorical and secular, personifying the moon as a comforting presence. The resolution is hopeful and calming.
Ideal Reader
A 3-year-old who has recently started calling out for parents after being tucked in, specifically one who feels 'left out' of the rest of the world while they are expected to sleep.
