Tell Me Something Happy Before I Go to Sleep [Hardcover]

Joyce Dunbar (Author), Debi Gliori (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

In this endearing bedtime story, Willa's big brother helps her get to sleep by reminding her about all of the happy things around her. Willa is afraid of bad dreams. "Think of something happy," suggests her big brother, Willoughby. But Willa needs his help. So together they think of all the happy things that await her in the morning--cozy slippers to warm her little feet, a yummy breakfast, and the morning itself, which loves to gently nudge her awake. But for Willa, the happiest thing of all is knowing that Willoughby will be there in the morning, too, just like always. This reassuring bedtime book will quickly become a cherished addition to family libraries--favorite for grown-ups and little ones to share for years to come.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Every little bunny should have a brother as kind and thoughtful as Willa's big brother Willoughby. When Willa can't sleep because she is so afraid of bad dreams, her brother leans down from the top bunk to encourage his little sister to think happy thoughts... about her chicken slippers, her blue-and-white jumpsuit, and tomorrow's anticipated pleasures. That very night, Willoughby takes Willa on a piggy-back ride around the cozy tree house to check on her breakfast food, her toys in their basket, and the quiet world sleeping outside, all the while explaining in soft, soothing tones how everything in their snug little world is waiting for the next morning to unfold. He tells her that the morning is waiting "For grass to grow, flowers to bloom, and leaves to flutter. For clouds to float, wind to blow, and sun to shine. For birds to fly, bees to buzz, and ducks to quack." "'That's a lot of happy things,' said Willa." Joyce Dunbar knows just how to set the scene for sleep, and Debi Gliori's charming, expressive bunnies are very, very cute. (Click to see a sample spread. From Tell Me Something Happy Before I Go to Sleep by Joyce Dunbar, illustration ©1998 by Debi Gliori, reproduced by permission of Harcourt Brace & Company.) (Ages 3 to 6) --Marcie Bovetz

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Willa can't go to sleep, so she enlists the help of her big brother Willoughby. He tells her to "think of something happy," but the toddler bunny can't think of anything on her own. Patiently, Willoughby points out happy things that await her in the morning: her chicken slippers and blue-and-white jumpsuit, breakfast food in the kitchen, toys in the living room, and the morning itself. Satisfied, Willa goes to sleep in his arms. This is a perfect book for wide-awake toddlers. The simple but beautifully crafted text has a soft rhythm to it, and paints a touching picture of the warm and loving relationship between the siblings. This is again reflected in the lovely illustrations, which radiate a sense of peace and coziness, and have all sorts of wonderful details to discover. The expressions on the bunnies' faces are just right. Their tree house has decorative accents throughout, and Willa has footie pajamas with carrots and lettuce printed on them. The oversize format insures that the book can be used in storytimes as well as for bedtime read-alouds. This is a winner in the tradition of Sam McBratney's Guess How Much I Love You (Candlewick, 1995) and Margaret Wise Brown's Goodnight Moon (HarperCollins, 1947).
Judith Constantinides, East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Harcourt Brace & Company; 1st edition (September 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 015201795x
• ISBN-13: 978-0152017958
• ASIN: 015201795X
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 9.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #454,562 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Read "Something Happy" to your child, July 2, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Tell Me Something Happy Before I Go to Sleep (Hardcover)

If you would like to foster compassion and empathy between siblings, this book is a must have for bedtime reading! I have read this book to my son almost every evening and he just loves the story. It is endearing to see normal fears presented by the charming little sister bunny and to have those fears put to rest by her caring older brother. The story teaches children how to show love to their siblings through simple acts of kindness. The illustrations are vibrant and intricate with great attention to detail. This is an old-fashioned tale of family caring wrapped in a beautiful package.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-add favorite to kids' library, October 30, 1999

By 

"chloemom" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tell Me Something Happy Before I Go to Sleep (Hardcover)

How I wish I had a loving brother like Willoughby! Thanks to the author and illustrator for teaching us to appreciate the beauty of our nature and surroundings. This is a delightful and comforting book with very beautiful illustrations. I've read it to my four-year-old girl several times and she now can read the lines on her own "For clouds to float, wind to blow, and sun to shine ..." What I love it most is, my girl will come and snuggle me up in bed every time we finish reading this book.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Soothing for both child and parent, December 30, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Tell Me Something Happy Before I Go to Sleep (Hardcover)

I have a two year old who just received this book for Christmas and it immediately became her favorite book. She only wants to read the "raggit" (rabbit) book. It's surprising to me that she'll sit through all the text which she normally doesn't have the patience for. The illustrations are wonderful and the text is as soothing as the sentiment. I can't say that I've enjoyed a children's book this much in a long time.