Me again.
I’m serious about getting back to blogging and sharing Perfect Picture Books.
Last week, it was about chores. This week, it’s about dreams.
Title: Mabel and the Queen of Dreams
Authors: Henry, Joshua and Harrison Herz
Illustrator: Lisa Woods
Schiffer Publishing, 2016
Themes/Topics: Dreams, Bedtime
Opening: Mabel was an expert at not going to sleep.
Brief Synopsis (from Amazon): Little Mabel is an expert at not going to sleep. She knows all the best bedtime-avoiding excuses. “I’m thirsty.” “I need to use the bathroom.” “Will you tell me a story?” Luckily, Mom’s quiver of bedtime tales includes the story of the Fae Queen, who paints children’s dreams and can only visit when their eyes are closed. Inspired by Mercutio’s soliloquy in Romeo & Juliet, in which he details how the tiny fairy queen influences people’s dreams as she passes by in her flying chariot, the soothing story evokes images of an ant in a worn gray coat and a hazelnut-shell chariot with a roof of grasshopper wings. Told in lyrical language that adults will also appreciate, the story helps parents get their kids to sleep. For ages 0-6.
Resources: Paint your dreams. Talk about the things you dream about. Do you have similar dreams to Mabel? Are yours completely different?
Why I Like This Book: A child not ready for bed is a classic problem for children and parents. The Herz family offer a unique story with Mabel. The story moves us from a series of nighttime distractions — “I’m thirsty,” “I’m not tired,” to my favorite “I’m too tangled to sleep” (which in my opinion deserves its own book) — to a calming story requiring closed eyes. The story gives parent and child hope that sleep and dreams will soon arrive.
Disclosure: I received a digital copy of Mabel and the Queen of Dreams to review.
Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for Monday is Wash Day. I’m keeping that open until Sept. 2.
For more PPBF books, check out the list over at the incredible Susanna Hill’s website.
I’ll need to check this one out, Stacy. Sounds like a fun story. I miss PPBFs! But my day is so full, I don’t know where to fit it in. 😔
Thanks, Jarm. More info, including a link to a book trailer, is at https://henryherz.wordpress.com/mabel-and-the-queen-of-dreams/
I understand completely! Time to write, revise, and research stories makes for a full day.
My youngest was always incredibly frustrated that she did not remember her dreams in the morning. That was a great incentive to get her to fall asleep the next night – the promise of possibly remembering it!
Nice review.
The promise of new dreams is a great reason to fall asleep.
sounds cute. “Too Tangled To Sleep” sounds like your next book….
Thanks, Sue. More info, including a link to a book trailer, is at https://henryherz.wordpress.com/mabel-and-the-queen-of-dreams/
I think it needs to be Henry’s book!
I’ll look for this one – thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Beth. More info, including a link to a book trailer, is at https://henryherz.wordpress.com/mabel-and-the-queen-of-dreams/
Too tangled!! Yes, I know that one myself – hate nighties!
Oh, this sounds like a wonderful way to help a child get to sleep. I love the visualization of painting dreams.
Yes. We all need more techniques at bedtime.
Stacy, thank your the review of this charming story about children and sleep. It’s on my list of books to read!
Thanks, Charlotte. More info, including a link to a book trailer, is at https://henryherz.wordpress.com/mabel-and-the-queen-of-dreams/
It’s a fun read.
You had me at: Mabel was an expert in not going to sleep.
How perfect!
Thanks so much, Stacy…and yes, I too, am going to try to be faithful about blogging for PPBF…and will attempt to hop around and read and comment on the others that get posted in Susanna’s link up.
I know right? 🙂
Sounds really clever. Definitely a place for that subject matter. Thanks for pointing it out to us kid lit lovers.
Thanks for stopping by Sherri.
A child not sleeping and a Queen of Dreams – lovely combination!
I know. Thanks for stopping by.
Terrific choice in books. Wouldlove to pain t my dreams.
I know. We don’t do that as adults, but children do it all the time.
I am ceaselessly amazed at the variety of wonderful ideas people come up with for the I-hate-to-go-to-sleep problem. I will definitely check this out. Thanks for telling me about it.
I know. There are as many unique ways to write a story as there are people.
I love “I’m too tangled to sleep,” too! Gotta check this one out. Thank you for reinvigorating the PPB posting. I’ve gotta get back into a fall routine. Cheers!