Bedtime is boring!

PreS-Gr 1--Reading Cosmo the frog's ingenious bedtime delaying tactics might feel close to home for grown-ups (as will Mommy's increasingly exhausted expressions), but the silliness of his questions and needs will tickle kids' funny bones. Birkett brilliantly folds in why sleep is important without the message feeling preachy, emphasizing that sleep helps with energy, enjoyment, and being able to fully participate in life. It's a nice demonstration of families working together as a team. Yes, Mommy has solutions to help Cosmo, but it's up to that cute little froggo to work with Mommy to make bedtime successful. Hopefully Cosmo's journey can help other sleep-resistant children out there. VERDICT A colorful, cheery read-aloud that teaches valuable life lessons.

A curious froglet asks too many questions before bedtime. When Cosmo was just a tadpole, he would sleep anywhere and everywhere. Tightly swaddled, he would snuggle down, and the snoozing wouldn't stop. But as Cosmo grew, things changed. Now he has many important tasks to complete each night, such as practicing karate, writing poetry about cheese, or having tea with a favorite stuffed animal. "BEDTIME IS BORING!" he shouts while hopping on his bed. His bedraggled, sleep-deprived mom tries to establish a bedtime routine, but even after "five stories, 17 kisses, one sleepy song, and two snuggly hubs," Cosmo's energy doesn't fade. He peppers Mommy with a slew of questions. "Do ants sleep through thunderstorms?" "Are there ghosts in my ears?" (His inquiries may spark readers to begin their own set of questions, starting with: Do frogs have ears?) Luckily, Cosmo's fatigue catches up to him, and he realizes that being tired during the day isn't worth the fun he has at night. Even in their weary moments, Birkett's amphibians fit right in on the aptly named Cheery Street; Mommy never wavers in supporting her froglet, and Cosmo tries ("with all of his froggy heart") to beat his internal bedtime battle. Bright, sunny colors give way to deep purples and blues, lulling little ones to sleep. A common nighttime challenge faced with love--and yawns.(Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.