Book Review: My Friend Sleep by Laura Baker, Hannah Peck

My Friend Sleep is a picturebook written by Laura Baker and illustratrated by Hannah Peck. This story is meant to help parents tackle the common issue of night terrors in young children. Readers travel alongside the main character through her dreams, and her friend Sleep. Greet friendly aliens, ride on a dragon's back and meet a scary monster, who turns out to be not-so scary after all. With Sleep by your side, nothing is as terrifying as it seems.

My Friend Sleep is a beautifully illustrated journey through dreamland. I liked how the artwork was dreamy and creative, following the imagination of the dreamer. I also like how it showed the good things that we can see in our dreams, and gives young readers a way to cope or change the bad that they might dream. The text and illustrations paired together well, and I think the overall effect was lovely. I am not sure if it will have the desired effect for children that are afraid to sleep and thus avoid bedtime and fight it, but I think it is well worth a try.

Early Book Review: Tiger vs. Nightmare by Emily Tetri

Tiger vs. Nightmare by Emily Tetri is a children's graphic novel currently scheduled for release on November 6 2018.  Tiger is a very lucky kid: she has a monster living under her bed. Every night, Tiger and Monster play games until it’s time for lights out. Of course, Monster would never try to scare Tiger—that’s not what best friends do. But Monster needs to scare someone…it’s a monster, after all. So while Tiger sleeps, Monster scares all of her nightmares away. Thanks to her friend, Tiger has nothing but good dreams. But waiting in the darkness is a nightmare so big and mean that Monster can’t fight it alone. Only teamwork and a lot of bravery can chase this nightmare away.

Tiger vs. Nightmare is a cute graphic novel about friendship. The artwork is cute, but I was not a huge fan. It looked a little unfinished, but I think that was more because I was looking at an electronic, early galley rather than the final copy. I fully expect that in the final version the artwork will be crisper. Tiger is friends with the monster under her bed, but of course everyone thinks the monster is her imagination. I love that the monster decided not to scare Tiger, but to scare away nightmares instead.However, eventually there is a nightmare too powerful for the monster to fight alone, and feels terrible when it slips by, but cannot admit what happened and becomes more determined to take care of Tiger. He dedication and guilt are things that most of us can relate to. The desire not to admit or failings, or ask for help when we need it is something adults struggle with just as much as kids. I like that Tiger is paying attention to Monster and is ready to help her friend. Friendship, support, and teamwork between the friends, along with the understanding that the nightmare is coming from Tiger's mind, are key lessons of the story, and wonderfully told. Facing your fears and dealing with nightmares like Tiger is a wonderful example to follow, and something even the most outwardly brave child can stand to hear.  I like that her parents do not try to talk away the monster, but support Tiger in her connection and imagination. The supportive family is nice to see in a world of kidlit that often has clueless or unhelpful adults. 

Tiger vs. Nightmare is  graphic novel for young readers that tells a wonderful story about friendship, facing your fears, and supporting others.  

Book Review: Under-the-Bed Fred by Linda Bailey

Under-the-Bed Fred is a transitional chapterbook written by Linda Bailey and illustrated by Colin Jack. This is perfect for those readers moving beyond picturebooks and branching into more challenging reads. It is broken into a few smaller stories, so it is not overwhelming to readers that might still be intimidated by chapter books.

There's a monster under Leo's bed making a ruckus every night. When Leo needs to go to the bathroom, he leaps from the bed to the door -- careful not to put his feet on the floor within the monster's reach. But one night Leo gets tired of being scared and boldly calls out to the monster to see if they can't just work something out. Surprisingly, the monster listens, and Leo finds out that even enormous monsters have fears! Leo and his monster, Fred, team up to face their fears, each with his own unique strengths. Over the course of five easy-to-read chapters, their friendship blooms as they face everything from bullies to bedbugs.

Under-the-Bed Fred is a fun book for independent readers, and for sharing. I like that Leo faces his fears, and learns something about prejudice and friendship. I found Fred to be a cute and imaginative creature, making the story fun. Leo has real kid problems, and some fears shared by most children at some point. I liked his persistence and patience with Fred- and thought that the exasperation he feels towards Fred at times mirrors what adults and older sibling might feel when the target audience gives into the fears Leo faces. I think this book could help young readers  face monster fears, and dealing with the stresses of bullies and school. The illustrations add a nice touch to the story, adding emotion and additional fun to the read.

Book Review: Even Ninjas have Nightmares by J.C. Rouses

Even Ninjas have Nightmares is a picturebook by J.C. Rouses.When a young ninja is confronted by a monster that hides under his bed, the boy must battle his own fears in order to understand that even the strongest people can get scared sometimes. He denies his fears, and wakes the house in his fierce denial even as he wakes up with nightmares and scares. Finally our ninja admits those fears and realizes that not only is he not alone, but he can still be a brave ninja even if he has nightmares.

Even Ninjas have Nightmares is a picturebook that takes the common fears, and attempted denial of them, and shows young readers that it is okay to be afraid. It is the admission of fear and facing them, and helping others face their fears, that makes you brave. I love the illustrations and the repeated awakens of the young ninja. The artwork is a perfect pairing to the story and offer extra bits of humor and details to the larger story. I think my favorite part was the end when the ninja comforts and helps his little sister face her own fears and nightmares. I think that added a special value to the lesson and might help young readers with understanding and empathy if they do not have nightmare problems of their own.