When the World is Dreaming, by Rita Gray

Perfect for: 
Ages: 2-6
Occasion: non-sleepers, bedtime

Since the Bea was six weeks old, she's slept through the night. I gently kiss her little nose at 5:45, snuggle her into bed with two stories and whisper "sweet dreams, my darling sweetpea" as she farewells me from her room with a soothing chorus of the goodnight song from the Sound of Music. #blessed

....

That sound you hear? My toddler laughing maniacally and she recalls every night for the past almost three years that we have resolutely NOT SLEPT. #lolzmama

Regardless, I have never given up the hope of finding the perfect bedtime story that will lull her off to sleep and allow me to finally finish A Little Life (yeesh, that book is some serious hard yards).

Last week we found the totally adorable When the World is Dreaming by Rita Gray. Based on a poem by Chico-Ni, the story follows a little girl, exploring the garden, as she wonders what each animal dreams when at last they snuggle in to sleep. At last, little Dreamer falls asleep - and what does she dream of?

The illustrations by Kennard Pak are beautiful - soft and sweet and dreamy - and while the story is a little repetitive, the rhyming language is soothing - which is exactly what you want at the end of a long day and with a toddler who insists that it most definitely is not night time outside (it's 9 pm Bea. 9PM!).

This is a sweet one for toddlers and preschoolers, particularly animal lovers or the wild explorers among us. I recommend this book with love, and the fervent prayer that it will bring your children, and more importantly you, sleeeeeep.

the book and the bea x

You Must Bring a Hat, by Simon Philip and Kate Hindley

[via bookdepository]

I love a fancy dress party. Like love love. Frankly, I'm not sure that a party without fancy dress actually really constitutes a party. I mean, where's the frivolity? What would people talk about if not their costumes? A party without costumes is like the Octonauts without Captain Barnacles. Entertaining but lacking direction (sidenote: Octonauts would be a great group costume...).

Not surprisingly then, I found You Must Bring A Hat, by Simon Philip and illustrated by Kate Hindley, hilarious (and promptly bought it for one of Bea's favourite buddies for his second birthday party - which was, of course, fancy dress).

You Must Bring a Hat tells the story of a little boy, who is invited to a party but must bring a hat. When the boy can't find his hat, he decides to bring a monkey wearing a hat (surely that counts?)...only to find there's additional requirements for guests who bring hat-wearing monkeys.

This book is so funny and kids will love the quirky (and rapidly escalating) adventures of one little boy trying to attend a party. There's a brilliant twist in the end that is sure to have you, and the kids, giggling.

[via]

The illustrations are bright and fun - it's the perfect silly birthday present for toddlers and early schoolies (or the fancy-dress party lover in your life).

the book and the bea x

A Small Thing...but Big, by Tony Johnston

[via macmillan publishers]

Perfect for: 
Ages: 3-6
Occasion: animal lovers, anxiety around dogs/animals, confidence around pets
 
The Bea loves dogs. Everywhere we go, she has to stop for a chat, which means that a walk to the shop on our very dog friendly street can take half the afternoon ("Bye Winky!" she once exclaimed, inexplicably to a dog named Angus).

But I know that for many kids, dogs can be terrifying. I remember once babysitting a little girl who was so frightened of them that she'd cry on sight and jump if she heard a bark. It was heartbreaking in a way to see someone so little have such fear.

A Small Thing...But Big is a story for those kids.

Lizzie, who isn't so sure about dogs, goes to the park with her Mum. While she's playing, she comes across a little puppy called Cecile and her owner, a little old man who, as it turns out, is a little anxious himself.

What follows is the sweetest tale of taking things one small thing at a time, and how those small things add up to big things.

The language in this story ("how springingly she walks!") and the conversations between Lizzie and the old man are just gorgeous ("she is quite adoring being with you!"). The cheerful, simple illustrations complete the story.

[Yes. My child is wearing star wars pajamas with an Emma Wiggles dress. It has been going on for a week. Send help.]

I love that Lizzie knows to wait until Cecile's owner tells her it's okay to pat, play and walk with Cecile and there's a sweet message in there about how all dogs are good, once you get to know them.

This is a reassuring and bright little story, particularly for children who aren't so sure of those crazy puppies in the park. Animal lovers will adore this one too.

Now, if you'll excuse us, we're off to visit our doggy friends in the neighbourhood (it should only take six hours). 

the book and the bea x