The Book of ZZZs

All Ages

Birth - 12 months

The Book of ZZZs

by Arlene Alda

Pigs and puppies, cats and meerkats, babies and grown-ups - all creatures sleep, but even so, sleep can take us by surprise. With an artist's eye, Arlene Alda has created a remarkably warm and intimate collection of images that capture the peace and magic of dreams. Young children will delight in the realization that no matter where or what we are, every living thing shares the same need for comfort, safety, and renewal.

Perfect for anytime, but especially at bedtime, The Book of ZZZs will help little ones accept that rest is as natural as play, and that there is time for both in a busy day.

Age: 1 Year-olds | Title: The Book of ZZZs | Author: Arlene Alda | Publisher: Tundra Books (NY)

Perfect for anytime, but especially at bedtime, The Book of ZZZs will help little ones accept that rest is as natural as play, and that there is time for both in a busy day.

Why we chose this book

Photographs of adorable animals catching some ZZZs serve as a reminder to toddlers that everyone needs to take some time out of their day to rest.

Kids will enjoy seeing the alternative ways that animals take naps, including a seal sleeping on the rocks, and a puppy napping in its owner's hands, while images of other children napping may make it easier for your child to accept that they, too, need some rest. The text is short and easy-to-follow making it a hit with little ones.

Reading it prior to bedtime will help children unwind and convey the message that it's not just his or her bedtime, but that of other kids and animals as well. The photograph of a shaggy white dog reminded Emily, the three-year-old I nanny for, of her own dog, which instantly made this story one of her favorites! This is a great pre-nap time book and seeing the cute animals sleeping helps transitions from play time to nap time.

--Abby