Boswell Wide Awake [Hardcover]

Alexandra Day (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 2 and up

When Boswell Bear is wakened by a full moon, he sets out on a patrol of his house and discovers a variety of things that need his attention. His final duty before putting himself back to bed is to tuck in and kiss his sleeping father and mother.

"Utterly magical." – Starred, Publishers Weekly

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The premise of this nearly wordless book is very simple: a boy gets up in the middle of the night, wanders through his house and yard, notices a few tasks that need doing, does them and returns to bed. Day turns this plot into something of a tour de force, bringing to her visual storytelling the same extraordinary tenderness and seamless blend of fantasy and realism that characterize her Carl books. Boswell is not a human boy but a bear, despite his beautifully appointed house and childlike behavior, and the animal casting sets the tone for the cozy nocturnal reverie. Dressed in ruby-and-sapphire-striped pajamas, Boswell tiptoes through the hall, realizing from the light under a closed door that his parents are still awake ("Shush, Toby," he whispers to his dog). In the aquarium, brilliantly colored fish still swimAuntil Boswell closes the curtains on the nearby window and blocks the intense stream of moonlight. Boswell (and Day) gently impose order: the cub turns off a light left on in the kitchen, in the process helping himself to a leftover piece of cherry pie; when he lets the cat out, he discovers his tricycle tipped sideways on the lawn, rights it and rides it into the carport. Every detail, from the trim on Boswell's pillowcase to the sloping ceilings to the dancing bears painted on the parents' headboard, suggests calm and comfort. The mood is utterly magical, and children will willingly place themselves under its spell. Ages 2-6.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

PreSchool-This almost-wordless picture book sings. Its magical realism will be familiar to fans of the author's "Carl" books (Farrar). Late at night, Boswell, a young bear, quietly explores his house before going to bed. He tiptoes in his striped flannel pajamas, observing his surroundings and caring for his pets. Finally, the wandering cub steps outside where, in the light of the moon, he shoots a few hoops on his plastic preschool-sized basketball set. The story closes as he enters the bedroom of his sleeping parents and gives them each a good-night kiss. Day illustrates with a palette of dark blues to deep purples to soft gray/lavenders with creamy accents, tones that are hushed yet vibrant. The picture of Boswell cuddling his cat is particularly resonant. There is constant visual evidence of the bear's secure place within his family: a framed picture on the wall of two bears sharing a kiss, his tricycle neatly parked parallel to the family car, his toys resting attractively amid the garden plants. This comfort and security are reflected by his snugness as he roams the silent house in his soft jammies. Throughout, a sense of order and calmness akin to a dreamlike peace is palpable, making Boswell Wide Awake an obvious choice as a bedtime story. However, its quiet humor, fascination, and loyalty to preschool ways make it a treat anytime.
Liza Graybill, Worcester Public Library, MA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 2 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR); 1st ed edition (October 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374399735
• ISBN-13: 978-0374399733
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,225,798 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Baby bear Boswell "shuts down" the house for the night, November 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Boswell Wide Awake (Hardcover)

This is another clever book and character. You can sit down with your child and use his or her imagination. Boswell, a very endearing little bear, goes about the home inside and outside taking care of things left undone. Every parent would love to have a child like Boswell. He even gives each of his parents a kiss goodnight as they lay asleep--a role reversal that is very effective with this story. If you like Carl you'll like Boswell.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful wordless picturebook., April 7, 2000

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Boswell Wide Awake (Hardcover)

Ages 2-6 will find here a gentle story of a young bear wakened by a full moon, who discovers things alive in the night. The wordless picture book provides dark yet engaging illustrations as it follows Boswell's patrol of the premises.