I Sleep in a Big Bed

February 15, 2018
A little book about a big step in becoming a big kid.The latest installment in van Lieshout's Big Kid Power series offers encouragement for young readers making the transition from sleeping in a crib to sleeping in a "big bed." The first-person narration (from the child's perspective) describes how when they were little "I slept a lot.... And I slept anywhere." The digitally created illustrations depict a two-parent family with brown skin and tightly curled black hair, the baby snoozing in a snuggly, a car seat, a stroller, and a crib--but now, "BIG KIDS SLEEP IN A BIG BED!" The narrator describes a bedtime routine that could take place with any sleeping arrangement. It includes books, kisses and hugs from caregivers, and snuggling with a "lovey." The text then details the child's emotional adjustment to sleeping in a big bed, with a central spread depicting their fears upon waking up in the middle of the night: "This bed is VERY BIG! Where am I? Where is my crib? What if my lovey falls out?" These worries are quickly assuaged with the next page turn, not by having parents reappear to soothe their little one, but with the child snuggling their "lovey" as they "cuddle up under the blankets...and go back to sleep." While this independent, easy resolution may seem unrealistic to some, it offers an aspirational turn toward independence for young readers who might struggle in making this transition.Sweet dreams, big kid. (Picture book. 1-3)

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April 1, 2018

Toddler-PreS-A short but loving tale about the important milestone of transitioning from a crib to a big kid bed. The young boy protagonist says, "When I was little I slept a lot... anywhere." He quickly reveals that he is no longer a baby and that "Big kids sleep in a big bed." Digitally produced images in brown, white, black, and blue show the transformation from baby to big kid and crib to big bed. Readers will see the familiar bedtime routine of stories, hugs, and kisses. The text supports the emotions that come along with these types of toddler milestones and acknowledges the normalcy of fear and uncertainty: "Where am I? Where is my crib? What if my lovey falls out?" The questions asked will be familiar to parents in the midst of sleeping transitions. The main character's fears aren't alleviated by a parental figure; rather, he soothes himself back to sleep by cuddling with his lovey, an act that many parents will hope this book encourages in their own little ones. VERDICT Recommended for purchase in a public library picture book collection as books to assist with milestones and transitions are a very popular request.-Kristen Todd-Wurm, Middle Country Public Library, NY

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2018
Direct-address text describes the protagonist's journey from crib-sleeper to "BIG KID!" It can be scary ("This bed is VERY BIG!"), but self-soothing is key ("I pull my lovey close"). Simple digital illustrations in a limited palette plus thick black lines and white outlines keep focus on the narrator. The book's petite, square shape and sturdy binding are well designed for little hands.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)