Time for Bed (Board book)

by Mem Fox (Author), Jane Dyer (Illustrator) "It's time for bed, little mouse, little mouse, Darkness is falling all over the house..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Filling each spread, Dyer's (illustrator of the Piggins books and of Baby Bear's Bedtime Book ) commanding yet gentle, large-scale watercolors are the key to the appeal of this bedtime lullaby. Fox ( Possum Magic ; Guess What? ) offers sweet but slim verse that bids good night to a selection of animals being cuddled and coddled by their mothers, all endearingly rendered at eye-level. The rhymed couplets have a pleasantly lilting rhythm, if an occasionally trite rhyme scheme: "It's time for bed, little sheep, little sheep, / The whole wide world is going to sleep." After viewing the various animals nodding off, youngsters will take their bedtime cue from a cherubic toddler, whose blond head falls into a pillow covered with golden stars as mother offers a hug and the text concludes: "The stars on high are shining bright-- / Sweet dreams, my darling, sleep well . . . / good night!" Ages 2-6.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2-Charming illustrations and comfortable rhymes characterize this appealing bedtime book. A twilight mood is set by dusky endpapers sprinkled with twinkling yellow stars, and by a title page showing a mother reading to a child. Double-page spreads feature animal pairs, each with a parent settling its offspring down for the night. An orange tabby kitten receives a soothing bath, a sleepy blue bird is tucked into a warm nest, and a delicate fawn curls up against its mother. Each babe is lulled by a gently rhyming couplet beginning with the phrase, "It's time for bed." Dyer's watercolor illustrations are dear. Large, clearly drawn animals are placed against backgrounds of vivid hues. A variety of landscapes keeps each scene looking fresh as a foal settles down in a moonlit meadow, a pair of fish blow bubbles in blue water, and two snakes curl up in overgrown grass. Working beautifully with the soothingly repetitive text, each painting conveys a warm feeling of safety and affection. A wonderful bedfellow for Ginsburg's Asleep, Asleep (Greenwillow, 1992).
Joy Fleishhacker, New York Public Library
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Baby-Preschool
  
• Board book: 28 pages
• Publisher: Red Wagon Books; 1 edition (September 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152010661
• ISBN-13: 978-0152010669
• Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (144 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,899 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have book for kids!, January 21, 2001

By	Jenni "jenni35" (Louisville, KY USA) - See all my reviews

My daughter received this as a Christmas gift and it has quickly become her favorite book, even at 9 months old. The illustrations are beautiful and the text is rhythmic and lulling. Every night, we snuggle together, just like the animals do in the book, and read this at least three times before bed, since she likes it so much. I cannot think of another book that I have that will allow my 9 month old to sit still for ONE reading, much less three in a row. This was a perfect gift and will be cherished for many years to come. Definitely a must-have for children!

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Precious book!, May 25, 2002

By	History_of_Art_Geek (Phoenix, AZ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Time for Bed (Hardcover)

This darling bedtime story, so endearing will charm your youngster to sweet dreams night after night. Jane Dyer's watercolor illustrations depicting animals, and their offspring are OUTSTANDING. Each two-page spread features a different Mommy (or Daddy), in a suitable setting, preparing their "little one" for bed. For instance, the mice are portrayed at the base of a hallow tree, and the fish are deep at sea. The sweet, and simple text appears on the left side of the book, while each mimicking phrase begins with, "It's time for bed." Subtle and rhythmic, the beat is ideal for nighttime reading, "It's time for bed, little sheep, little sheep, the whole wide world is going to sleep." The book concludes with a Mommy tucking a toddler into bed, "The stars on high are shining bright, sweet dreams, my darling, sleep well, good night!" This is a precious bedtime book.

As an educational tool, children will learn to recognize the illustrated animals: mouse, goose, cat, calf, foal, fish, sheep, bird, bee, snake, pup, and deer. My son received the hardcover edition of "Time For Bed" as a baby gift, and I was so captivated by the artwork that the board book version was purchased as a supplement. One-year and up.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Addition to your Library!, September 21, 2000

By	"annascloset" (East Coast, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Time for Bed (Big Book Edition) (Paperback)

Illustrations are superb. Cadence of the story rhyme is soothing. Story length is PERFECT for toddlers. This is a MUST HAVE for ALL toddlers and parents! This is an all-time favorite in our house. In addition to just reading the story, children love pointing out the animals and making the animal sounds. This is a book I always give as a baby shower gift since it is so beautiful! Jane Dyer is an incredible illustrator too - another we like that she illustrated is When Mama Comes Home Tonight