Good Night, Sleep Tight, Don't Let the Bedbugs Bite! (Paperback)

~ Diane Degroat (Author, Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

DeGroat's latest clever caper starring Gilbert the opossum (Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink) finds the fellow on an overnight trip to Camp Hi-Dee-Ho. He stoically refuses to pack his teddy ("Sleep-away camp is for big kids") and puts up a brave front when big-mouth fellow camper Lewis trots out some typical camp-related taunts, announcing that a ghost haunts Hi-Dee-Ho and calling the lemonade "bug juice." Around the campfire, after an older kid relates the tale of the alleged ghost, Lewis sneaks up on Gilbert and scares him with a loud "BOO!" In the cabin after lights-out, the hero tightly hugs his teddy (which his mother has slipped into his sleeping bag). DeGroat suspensefully prolongs a nighttime trip to the outdoor bathroom along a dark path lined with threatening-looking trees and, in a signature twist, Gilbert gets a chance to give Lewis his comeuppance. Numerous droll particulars, including Gilbert's Martian-and-spaceship-patterned pajamas and the likable lad's hyperbolic facial expressions will keep readers coming back for more. Those anticipating with or without some anxiety an inaugural camp experience especially will revel in this realistic yet reassuring visit to Hi-Dee-Ho. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-Gilbert and his friends are back for another cozy adventure, this time on an overnight camping trip. DeGroat's text flows well, carrying the kids from their long bus ride to the campground, through a busy afternoon of activities (quickly summarized) to the real focus of the story: a campfire ghost-story session, with the resulting middle-of-the-night frights and a humorous resolution. The events are believable, and even a bit predictable, but amusing enough to be enjoyable, too. Best of all, Lewis, who enjoys teasing Gilbert, turns out to be more vulnerable than he pretends, while Gilbert gets to take some very gentle revenge. DeGroat's familiar animal cast displays decidedly kidlike characteristics, captured in her watercolor illustrations as well as through conversations and behavior. Their furry faces express anticipation and pleasure as well as worry and fear. Even the illustrations of the setting add to the atmosphere with spooky-looking faces discernible on tree trunks while bright fireflies glimmer mysteriously in the dark. Whether they're already fans or new to the series, young listeners will enjoy this mildly spooky, decidedly satisfying overnight expedition.
Lisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (May 20, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061340618
• ISBN-13: 978-0061340611
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #132,658 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cute camp book, March 2, 2004

By	Erika Mitchell (E. Calais, VT USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Good Night, Sleep Tight, Don't Let the Bedbugs Bite! (Hardcover)

Gilbert is a fuzzy critter- -perhaps a possum. One summer, his parents send him off to an overnight at camp. Gilbert is very excited about playing with the big kids at camp, but the big kids tell a ghost story around the campfire, which makes Gilbert very scared. Younger kids may find the book a little scary, but 4 to 6 year olds may find it quite engaging. The book has about 850 words.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's okay to be afraid of the dark, April 13, 2002

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

This review is from: Good Night, Sleep Tight, Don't Let the Bedbugs Bite! (Hardcover)

Written and illustrated by Diane deGroat, Good Night, Sleep Tight, Don't Let The Bedbugs Bite! is a lovely story about young raccoon, skunk, and porcupine children going to sleep-away camp for the first time. With the important moral message that it's okay to be afraid of the dark, yet the power to be brave lies within us all, Good Night, Sleep Tight, Don't Let The Bedbugs Bite! is an excellent and recommended picturebook to prepare young children for the rigors of spending days and nights away from home.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read and fun!, August 1, 2008

By	Reader Views "www.readerviews.com" (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews

Reviewed by Sophia McElroy (age 5.5) for Reader Views (7/08)

This book is about Gilbert going to camp. I like all the animals; Gilbert is my favorite. I thought it was really funny when Gilbert and Lewis were in the bathroom and Lewis has his stuffed animal and he is hiding under the sink. It was easy to read and fun! I wasn't scared by the story, I thought it was good. I liked all the spooky sounds like when they say "Boo!"

Parent Comment:

The illustrations in this book are marvelous. The various animals drew Sophia into the story with the turn of every page. After she finished the book she wanted to know when she could go to camp too. There is even a nice little lesson at the end of "Good Night, Sleep Tight, Don't Let the Bedbugs Bite!" by Diane deGroat.