Time for Bed's Story

August 1, 2020

Gr 2-4-Bedtime often has a negative reputation, but when does anyone ever think about bedtime from the perspective of the bed? Bed has decided to speak out and voice his concerns after so many years of discontentment. From being kicked and drooled on at night to being jumped on during the day, Bed is having a hard time. The stinky mysteries under the bed are getting to him, and he can not bring himself to even talk about the tooth incident. But, now that the child who sleeps on Bed is getting older, it seems like the right time to ask for a little consideration of Bed's feelings, too. Children who enjoy stepping away from the traditional storytelling style will appreciate the humor of this book. Bed has real personality and says everything that a typical bed, if alive, might be thinking. Short sentences make the story accessible for a range of readers, but the humor is best suited for those midway through elementary school. Vintage colors and patterns adorn each page, providing a retro quality to the story. Each illustration is dynamic, shifting in perspective from close-up to broader views, varying the feel of every page. The character of Bed is endearing in his curmudgeonly demeanor, especially as the child takes no notice. VERDICT For a story hour about out-of-the-box thinking, this is a novel, cheerful way to get children to view things from a different perspective.-Mary Lanni, formerly at Denver P.L.

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 15, 2020
A sentient bed is fed up with a child's complaints about bedtime. It is bedtime, and Bed has something to say. The anthropomorphic piece of furniture shares that it understands that the child doesn't like bedtime, but Bed is frustrated with the child, too. At night, Bed gets kicked and drooled on. In the daytime, the child is noisy and jumps on the bed. There's even a stench coming from under Bed. Covered in stickers and continuously mistreated, Bed pleads for the child to try and understand Bed's feelings. In its aggrieved narration, Bed refers to itself in the third person while addressing the child in the second person, making readers feel that Bed is talking to them. This fresh, distinctive delivery creates a quirky, humorous story. The illustrations are colorful, and expressive headboard facial features bring Bed to life. The end falls flat, with no real resolution, but the illustrations support the limited text with sweet smiles of appreciation between child and Bed. Many different emotions are portrayed on Bed's face--annoyance, disgust, embarrassment, sadness, and more--making it an excellent vehicle for learning empathy and respect. The child illustrated is fair-skinned with dark hair, with one visiting friend who has brown skin and dark hair. (This book was reviewed digitally with 12.78-by-17.88-inch double-page spreads viewed at 44% of actual size.) A cute, original, and funny book for younger readers. (Picture book. 3-6)

COPYRIGHT(2020) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.