Audiobook Review: 5-Minute Really True Stories for Bedtime: 30 Amazing Stories: Featuring Frozen Frogs, King Tut’s Beds, the World's Biggest Sleepover, the Phases of the Moon, and More by Britannica Books

 5-Minute Really True Stories for Bedtime: 30 Amazing Stories: Featuring Frozen Frogs, King Tut’s Beds, the World's Biggest Sleepover, the Phases of the Moon, and More by Britannica Books was narrated by Joanna Lumley. It was written by Jackie McCann, Jen Arena, and Sally Symes.

Why do we sleep? How do sharks snooze underwater? Where is the oldest bed in the world? In this compendium of 5-minute really true stories about bedtime, you can go on a journey of wonder and learning to find out the answers to all these questions, and many more! Travel to Ancient Egypt to explore the beds of Tutankhamun, jet off into space to see how astronauts get ready for bed, or even plunge underwater to learn how hibernating turtles breathe through their bottoms! There are 30 amazing 5-minute stories, with all facts verified by Britannica.

5-Minute Really True Stories for Bedtime has thirty five minute sections, but I am not sure that I would classify them as stories. Each of the segments is well told and researched, with a combination of silly or weird facts and more serious sounding information about sleep and all sorts of things related to it. They are interesting to listen to and full of information that will be new to most of the young readers or listeners that this book is aimed at. The book information says that the printed version has specially commissioned artwork, which I expect will help keep the attention of young readers, however the audiobook narrator did a wonderful job with inflection and emotion to keep my attention and interest. Please keep in mind that this is a book that uses British vernacular, and some terms in the text are different because of this. Those that have a hard time with things like lorry instead of truck, biscuit instead of cookie, and so on just be forewarned.  I love it, and think it is a great thing for readers of all ages to understand that people that speak the same language do not always sound the same. 

5-Minute Really True Stories for Bedtime is a great bedtime, or anytime, read. Perfect for short reads together.

Early Book Review: The Ultimate Survival Guide to Bedtime Monsters by Mitch Frost, Daron Parto

The Ultimate Survival Guide to Bedtime Monsters is a picturebook written by Mitch Frost and illustrated by Daron Parto. It is currently scheduled for release on May 1 2020. Do you lie awake at night worrying about monsters? Donut monsters? Blue monsters? DANCING ROBOT MONSTERS?! Then this is the book for you! Follow these ten easy steps and you'll never be bothered by monsters again. Not even carrot monsters. Perfect for anyone, big or small, who's ever been afraid of what might be lurking under the bed.

The Ultimate Survival Guide to Bedtime Monsters is a fun and brightly illustrated picturebook giving young readers a set of steps to feel a little safer at bed time. I liked the illustrations quite a bit, I thought that the attention to detail and the humor on each page added a great deal to the story. The text offers them suggestions like brushing their teeth because monsters hate minty fresh breath, and keeping their room clean because then there is no where for the monsters to hide. Not all of the suggestions are quite so aimed at good bedtime routines, one suggests surrounding yourself with your favorite stuffed animals and toys, because monsters do not like crowds. I thought the book was cute and might be just what some youngsters need to help them settle in to bed a bit easier. 

Early Book Review: Stars Before Bedtime: A Mindful Fall-Asleep Book by Jessamy Hibberd; Claire Grace

Stars Before Bedtime: A Mindful Fall-Asleep Book, written by Jessamy Hibberd and Claire Grace and illustrated by Hannah Tolson, is currently scheduled for release on March 3 2020. In this fast-paced world, relaxing and preparing for sleep can be difficult for children. This fact-filled book helps ease bedtime struggles with mindfulness, muscle relaxation, gentle yoga poses, visualization, and other exercises proven to help kids release stress and anxiety, clear their minds, get ready for bed, and fall asleep faster. With gentle, calming artwork and simple, melodic text, children explore the sky’s constellations and the mythical stories behind them as they get their minds and bodies ready for bed. Each exercise, called out by a moon symbol, is simple and easy to do. The pages are self-contained so you can start anywhere and complete as many, or as few, exercises as you like. Tips on mindfulness and extra resources for parents are included at the back of the book. Stargazers of all ages will love this journey through constellations.

Stars Before Bedtime: A Mindful Fall-Asleep Book is a interesting book, and a good tool for caregivers that are trying to encourage mindfulness at bedtime. I like that the pages include information about astronomy, particularly constellation, offering up facts and legends about the stars alongside yoga poses, breathing exercises, and other relaxation techniques. The illustrations were soothing, in calming blues and indistinct details. I did like that each page could be read independently, so a family could concentrate on one page, one exercise, a night or more. I also like the information at the back of the book for the adults. I think the book offers up exactly what it promises, and will please those that are looking for it. 

Early Book Review: Help Wanted, Must Love Books by Janet Sumner Johnson, Courtney Dawson

Help Wanted, Must Love Books, written by Janet Sumner Johnson and illustrated by Courtney Dawson, is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on March 2 2020. Shailey loves bedtime, especially reading with her dad. But her dad starts a new job, and it gets in the way of their bedtime routine. So Shailey takes action! She fires her dad, posts a Help Wanted sign, and starts interviews immediately. She is thrilled when her favorite characters from fairytales line up to apply. But Sleeping Beauty can't stay awake, the Gingerbread Man steals her book, and Snow White brings along her whole team. Shailey is running out of options. Is bedtime ruined forever?

Help Wanted, Must Love Books is a story that many parents and children can relate to. Routine band job changes for an adult in the house can throw everything else out of whack- like  how her father's new job affected Shailey's bedtime reading. I love how she interviewed characters from some of her bedtime stories to become her new reader, and how some of the auditions went terribly wrong. I thought the story and its execution was very imaginative and well done. The illustrations were wonderful, and added some great detail to the story on each page. I love the imagination the character has, and the way her father works hard to find a solution for the problem. Not every solution in real life will be this easy, but showing that it can happen might give young readers the hope and determination to find solutions for their own bedtime or family disappointments. The addition of resumes from the characters at the end of the book was a fun touch.  

Help Wanted, Must Love Books is an adorable picture book with plenty of references to storytimer favorites and lovely artwork. This might become a new bedtime favorite for some young readers. 

Early Book Review: Astro Pea by Amalia Hoffman

Astro Pea is a picturebook by Amalia Hoffman that is currently scheduled for release on March 29 2019. Imagine what would happen if fresh veggies could go on a cosmic adventure! Well, blast off with Pete the pea and find out what he discovers outside his pod. Pete joins other curiously shaped vegetables such as an eggplant, artichoke, cauliflower, ear of corn, and mushroom as they each take a starring role in this creative tale of space exploration, daring, and friendship. Who knew healthy food could be so much fun? 

Astro Pea is a cute and creative story. A young pea goes on a vegetable laden journey through the stars, and I like that while he enjoys the trip still wants his home and family in the end. I think this is something people of all ages can relate to. No matter how cool the journey, we always want to find our way back to those that love us, and that we love. I think the use of veggies as the characters, ships, and so on was very well done. It was obvious o me what all the produce was, but young readers that are not too fond of eating their veggies might need one or two named for them. I loved the illustrations, chalk work on a black background. I think this color scheme will be helpful when reading in the dim light that goes hand in hand with bedtime stories.

Early Book Review: Dan the Biggest Dump Truck by Chris Adams, James Donahower

Dan the Biggest Dump Truck is a picture book written by Chris Adams and illustrated by James Donahower. It is currently scheduled for release on February 1 2017. Dan is the biggest dump truck in the whole wide world. He can fit one hundred elephants in his tipper, and his horn is louder than thunder! Dan wants more than anything to be helpful and work on a construction site, but he’s far too big to help build houses, and he’s even too big to build a bridge. Come ride with Dan in search of new friends and his perfect job. 

Dan the Biggest Dump Truck is a picture book with a story about finding your place and your strengths. Dan is a giant dump trunk, too big for most construction jobs that he finds. However, his persistence pays off and he saves the day wen a big project goes wrong. I think most children, and adults, know what it is like not to fit in, or to be too something to be accepted. Dan feels bad about it, but he does not give up the search for the perfect job. I do not like that he really cannot work at any of the jobs he is turned down for, rather than trying and just not being good at it. I think this gives the idea that it might be okay to exclude someone because they are too something, rather than letting them try, but we are talking construction rather than playground games so hopefully that will not carry over. 

  Dan the Biggest Dump Truck did a good job getting its story across, and the illustrations are nicely matched to the story. However, it did not blow me it. It was good, and will definitely appeal to many young readers, it just did not stand out as spectacular in a market that has been increasingly populated with great picture books.

Early Book Review: The Queen is Coming to Tea by Linda Ravin Lodding

The Queen is Coming to Tea is a picture book by Linda Ravin Lodding which is currently scheduled for release on February 1 2017. When Ellie finds out the Queen is coming to tea, she snaps to attention! But will the Queen patiently wait? And what exactly will be waiting for the queen? Ellie enlists the help of all of her stuffed animal friends to make it a memorable affair. Together they travel to Paris, China, Italy, and New York to gather everything they need.

The Queen is Coming to Tea is a sweet picture book about family and imagination. Ellie receives a note that the Queen is coming to tea. She immediately sets off to get the very best of everything for the visit. Along with her favorite toys she gathers the best cakes and tea then dresses in the very best. Spending the afternoon with the Queen is very special- and when she finally gets her one on one time with mom it is a wonderful treat for both. I like that the story stresses the importance of independent play, imagination, and family bonding time. Finding the balance can be hard- but it looks like Ellie's family has it right. Perhaps this will inspire some special tea times with parents, grandparents, or other important people or some other activities. I know i am inspired to do more in this vein, even if my children are older now.

 

Early Book Review: Happy Mamas by Kathleen T. Pelley, Ruth E Harper

Happy Mamas is a picture book written by Kathleen T. Pelley and illustrated by Ruth E Harper. It is currently scheduled for release on October 10 2016. This book is intended as a read aloud that pays tribute to mothering in the animal and human kingdoms. It depicts activities that bring joy to a mama and her baby over the course of a day: feeding her little ones, teaching  playing peek-a- boo; watching her little ones fly from the nest; singing a serenade to the man in the moon; or crooning owly lullabies through the deep dark woods. But as the moon glows and the stars shine, what is it that makes all mamas - from desert to jungle, from forest to field, from land to sea, happiest by far? 

Happy Mamas is a sweet book, combining the things that make parents happy regardless of species. Feeding their children, playing with them, teaching them things they need to know, and snuggling at bedtime. I felt like some off the text felt a little forced, and while the story all worked it did not impress me.Some of the illustrations were beautiful and charming, and I like that the humans included were not all generic caucasians, I felt like some of the detail work was less than I expected. None of it was bad, it just did not wow me. I have seen so many picture books, good and bad, and while this might fit the bill for occasional bedtime reading I do not think it will be a requested read or one that parents will have to read over and over.