Customer Reviews

Jake Stays Awake

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Wow! If you've been bored reading the same old stories to your kids every night, try this one. It's beautifully illustrated, funny, well-written and most importantly, something that kids will love and you'll enjoy reading. Don't miss all the special comic details added to the illustrations just for us. The story is something we've all dealt with at one time or another and the solution is quirky and unique. Can't wait for Michael Wright's next book.

With just the right mix of adult- and kid-friendliness, this book addresses the common "issue" of the family bed with sweetness and a whole lot of humor. The illustrations are fantastic, the colors bold and inviting. The verse is just right for a little one's sense of humor and there are amusing details in the pictures for observant eyes to discover. This is the first book by this author/illustrator, but my bet is that Michael Wright will hit the big time soon.

Reviewed by Jamie Driggers

Jake has trouble sleeping--when he's alone, that is. And though he can sack out when he's in bed with his parents, they get no rest. Sound familiar?

In Jake Stays Awake, Jake and his parents are in a battle of wits. They can't sleep with him-and he can't sleep without them. Who will win? They'll happily sleep with him anywhere but in their bed (which only has room for two). Can they sleep on the roof? In the kitchen? On the stairs? In the bathtub? The trash? The car? Though Jake's parents seem to be able to sleep, Jake just can't. Is there anyplace he can catch a few zzzzs? And then he thinks of just the place.

Jake Stays Awake is a lively story to which (nearly) every parent can relate. Is there a solution to the family bed? And though I doubt that most parents will be willing to do the gymnastics that Jake's parents go through, most will find the humor in it anyway.

The text has a nice rhyming cadence that, unfortunately, does get clunky a time or two on the read aloud. The illustrations are full page and full color and complement the text well. In fact, they probably make the book. What looks like simplistic characterization, really presents quite a bit of detail that kids and adults will enjoy pouring over to find something to giggle about. All in all, this is a nice picture book debut for Michael Wright.

Armchair Interviews says: Now watch for Jake Starts School.

After reading all princess/fairy books there are on the market, my daughter ran out of books she likes to read, this totally revived her reading appetite ! She read it from beginnning to end, fabulous, and I enjoyed reading it with her(in contrast to many princess stories). Simply great !

This is a wonderful childrens book. I bought this book for my grandson. He read it so often that it started losing pages. I thought we would both enjoy a new copy for Christmas.

The target audience is ages 4-8 but I found even my 2 year old enjoyed it. Fortunately the need to sleep in Mom and Dad's bed isn't a problem we suffer with but for that family this book would be PERFECT! It comically illustrates the story of a boy who just cannot sleep when he has to be in his own bed. His parents always cave and let him sleep with them. Until one night they decide to let him sleep with them but in a NEW spot. The story goes through all the various uncomfy spots you can imagine to sleep leaving Jake with one conclusion at the end. A fast and easy read that rhymes---my favorite style!

I am stingy about giving out 5 stars. This book, however, is delightful and deserves all 5. It is easy to read -- not forced like some rhyming books.

It tells a fun story in just the right amount of pages for a young attention span. The illustrations of various absurd sleeping arrangements (kitchen, bathroom, roof, etc) set off giggles in my 5-year-old son. I must admit that I could really relate to the eye-rolling looks on the parents' faces.

It is also sweet with a touch of sassy. For instance, the parents say "We love you , dear Jake, but we can't even doze. How can we sleep with your toes up our nose?" This is of course accompanied by a picture of a contentedly sleeping boy with one foot on each parent's face.

This is one book I don't mind being asked to read again and again!

My son loves to have me read this book to him. The premise is one he can relate to at 5 - Jake wants to sleep with his parents instead of in his room. His parents agree with his request as long as they sleep somewhere other than their bed. Jake decides to try the roof, the kitchen, the car and even the garbage cans! The rhyming story is really funny and the illustrations are hilarious. And, my son has a good friend named Jake, which makes it even better! This book has become his bedtime favorite. He took it to school and his kindergarten class laughed and laughed as they heard the story and saw the illustrations.

What an original idea for a children's book---a humorous look at getting your child to sleep alone. My favorite part is the illustrations--this guy must have worked on them for a long time, as they contain subtle layers of humor that adults will enjoy too. Great use of primary colors, and an engaging Suess-like approach to the text. A great gift book for the young readers in your family, think I'm going to buy another one for a Christmas gift.

This book is a favorite of my children. They love hearing the story - it is easy for them to relate to as they also like creeping from their beds at night. The seller was wonderful as they got us the book in plenty of time for Christmas.