About This Book
Reach for this book when you are facing the classic bedtime paradox: your toddler is clearly exhausted but insists they are wide awake. It is a masterful tool for de-escalating evening energy through rhythmic repetition and visual cues that mirror the physical process of falling asleep. As the sun sets over the forest, a cast of woodland animals from tiny mice to large bears succumb to the 'yawn.' While Little Bear tries to resist the call of slumber, the quiet persistence of the natural world eventually lulls him into rest. Parents will appreciate how the book functions as a physiological bridge to sleep, using deep blues and neon oranges to transition a child's brain from play mode to rest mode. It is a perfect choice for establishing a calm, predictable nighttime routine for children aged one to four.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
None. This is a purely secular, gentle bedtime story focused on the natural cycle of day and night.
Ideal Reader
A high-energy toddler who finds 'FOMO' (fear of missing out) at bedtime. It is perfect for a child who needs to see that the whole world, even the big bears, participates in the ritual of rest.
Parent Prep
Read this book slowly. The 'cut pages' are designed to be explored, so allow the child to touch the edges to feel the change in size. Practice your best, most infectious yawn. The parent has likely heard 'I'm not tired!' or 'One more story!' for the third time and needs a book that acts as a sedative rather than a stimulant.
