Ya’ll, I’m back! And we are only a couple of days into the New Year, can you believe it? Life, to be frank, has been very busy. This means I haven’t been reviewing each book as I read it like I used to before I had kids. You know this, I know this, but sometimes I like to post a reminder. Thanks for sticking with me all these years despite the inconsistency. I have graduated to the yearly book roundups, as you know, and have no fear: my 2024 roundup is coming soon!
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Speaking of the kids, to kick the year off, I wanted to celebrate The Very Sleepy Bedtime Book by C. Laine Dos Santos release this past year. I don’t often review kids books, but The Very Sleepy Bedtime Book is a special one and I had to get on here and make sure I told you all about it. This bedtime story book was created by my friend and former colleague, Connie Laine Dos Santos, one of the most creative and artistic people I know. She is always reinventing herself and inspiring others with her creativity, and this book is no exception.
The day the Connie’s debut childrens book arrived on our doorstop, I announced to the boys that we had a special book to read that night. The kids quickly showered, got in their pjs and settled in the bunk bed for the new story.
The Very Sleepy Bedtime Book is a picture book brimming with little poems that can be read in any order, a page or two at a time or even in its entirety, front to back OR back to front! (My kids got such a kick out of reading it back to front). The poems are so sweet and fun, and my oldest (age 8) enjoyed reading the pages with me to my youngest (age 4).
Beyond the words on the page, what really stands out about this children’s book is the animation. This is where Connie’s creativity soars beyond the typical delightful children’s book, in my opinion: the images jump out at you with the turn of every page; colour, vibrancy, animation and –sometimes- silliness! It’s creative storytelling and can be as long or a short as your child needs it to be on any given night. The kids took time at the end of the story to talk about their favourite images and chose the animals they liked best. My youngest even asked to read it again the following night.
As described on Indigo’s site, this books offers “detailed realism with a kick – this book is different. Modern. Beautiful. The language of this artwork is something universally understood and its charm magical for all of us.” In my opinion, this book is best suited for toddlers or little ones who need have a hard time turning in for the night. The Very Sleepy Bedtime Book is available in 12 countries and counting, and in addition to Amazon, is even available at Indigo in Canada! I have hyperlinked some US and Canadian links below, and while you’re at it, check out Connie’s second stunning book, The Ordinary Seahorse, which just launched last month here!
Available at:
A big congrats to my friend Connie on all of your success, and to you and Jason for years of successful creativity and professional partnership! I can’t wait to read The Ordinary Seahorse next!
Categories: readin'
Write.Eat.Read.Repeat 