At Night

by Jonathan Bean

Some nights, long after her parents tucked her in and whispered, "Good night, happy dreams!", the little girl lay awake and just couldn't go to sleep. She could hear everyone breathing and snoring and just needed somewhere soothing and quiet. Not having a backyard in the city, the rooftop served that purpose well.

With captivating ink-and-watercolor illustrations in somber night-time colors, and a lyrical text with simple words, Jonathan Bean has created a soothing bedtime story that is charming and thought provoking. The pictures show the little girl lugging her bedding to the rooftop, with her kitty following along. The very last picture shows Mom sitting beside the sleeping child with a cup of tea in one hand and the other on the little girl.

This book is a good choice for your little one’s bedtime story. Family time discussions can include your own child's opportunities for a secluded spot to sleep and a discussion of the safety issues.