The Zebra Said Shhh by MR Nelson, Tamia Sheldon

Rating: WORTHY!

Well, it's time once again to review some children's literature! I have two wonderful ones for you. This is a beautifully illustrated young children's book aimed (and good luck with that!) at getting your young 'un off to sleep at night! I actually think this has a good chance of succeeding because it has a mantra-like, almost hypnotic cadence as the zebra finds himself, stripe me, having to shush, in turn, all the other animals in the zoo which, apart from one reptile and one bird, seems to be exclusively devoted to mammals.

So once he's talked in turn to those pesky monkeys (and you know what those guys are like after they get high on peanuts!), risked hurting the lion's pride, repeated himself to the parrot, asked the tortoises to slow down for the day, managed, at a stretch, to convince the giraffe, and on and on, suddenly, everything seems remarkably quiet. Hmm!

I liked this story and adored the images, and the book works well even on a smart phone in the crappy Kindle app, FYI. They look awesome on the iPad in landscape mode, even in the crappy Kindle app. I think Nelson and Sheldon are a team to be reckoned with. Assuming they continue to get a good night's sleep. Shhh!

Sweet Dreams Little Pup by Mary Lee

Rating: WORTHY!

This story struck me as wonderful. Maybe I was in a really good mood when I read it, but I honestly believe if I had been in a bad mood I would still have enjoyed it because it's so sweet. The illustrations by the author, Mary Lee, are perfect for the age range this is aimed at - colorful, simple, very well done, and charming. The story is simple, but very entertaining and relaxing. How can you not love a story which has a character named Little Pup in it?!

Little Pup lives with Grey Bear, and loves to go to bed early for the dreams, which he enjoys greatly. The problem is that on this particular night, he can't fall softly down into noddy-land. He's not sleepy! He tries counting butterflies (see what I mean about being sweet?) He's not thirsty, and he's tried some stretches and exercises, and that didn't work. What's a pup to do?

I'm feeling sleepy just thinking about this now as I write the review, but maybe that's because it was a long and busy day! Or maybe not! This book is designed well enough, with large enough text, that you can even read it from your cell phone, which is an added plus if it turns out to be your child's favorite book - it's always to hand! I recommend this little book.