
Reach for this book when your child is wide awake at bedtime, distracted by every creak and rustle in the house. This rhythmic, vertical story validates the curiosity children feel about what is happening behind closed doors while gently guiding them toward the peaceful resolution of a good night's sleep. It transforms potentially scary or annoying nighttime sounds into a playful, predictable game of 'who is making that noise?' The story follows a series of apartment dwellers, each disturbed by the person or creature living directly above them. From an opera-singing man to a banjo-playing crow, the characters are diverse and whimsical. It is an excellent choice for city-dwelling families or any child transitioning from the high energy of play to the quiet of sleep. The clever design requires turning the book vertically, which engages a child's sense of wonder and physical interaction with the story.
None. The book is entirely secular, safe, and lighthearted.
A preschooler with a big imagination who finds 'the dark' a bit too quiet and needs to fill it with friendly, funny possibilities. Also perfect for a child living in an apartment who needs to build empathy for their neighbors.
This book is best read cold to preserve the surprises of the guessing game. Be prepared to make various sound effects (La-la-la, Rah-rah-rah, Hoo-hoo-hoo) as prompted by the text. A child who keeps popping out of bed saying, 'What was that sound?' or 'I heard something!'
Toddlers will enjoy the repetitive 'What is that noise?' refrain and the animal sounds. Older preschoolers (4-5) will appreciate the cleverness of the vertical format and the humor of a crow playing a banjo.
The vertical orientation of the book is its standout feature. By physically turning the book, the act of reading mirrors the architectural climb of the story, making it a tactile and memorable experience.
A young boy is trying to sleep, but he hears a noise from above. This begins a chain reaction where each floor's occupant is bothered by a specific sound coming from the ceiling. The book is read vertically, with the reader 'climbing' from one floor to the next. The noises range from the mundane to the absurd, including a cheerleader, an opera singer, and a baby, until we finally reach the top floor to find the source of the ultimate quiet.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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