Don't Close Your Eyes by Bob Hostetler {Book Review}

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Don't Close Your Eyes
Written by Bob Hostetler
Illustrated by Mark Chambers


Synopsis

Even after a full day of play, sleepy animals try to stay awake.



About the Book

Don't Close Your Eyes is a 20-page, padded board book perfect for lulling children to sleep after a busy day. Children will encounter forest and farm animals alike on this nighttime adventure. They can follow along and try to stay awake as they listen to soothing, rhyming text and look at engaging, silly illustrations. 

One silly thing about this book is that it encourages sleepy children to do the very thing that they DO want to do, which is NOT close their eyes to go to sleep. The book talks about all the things that happen at night such as the sun sinking in the sky, the moon sneaking out, stars sparkling, and animals settling down to rest. However, the text continues to urge children to NOT close their eyes whatever they do. 

Here's an example from the book:

"You know that if you close your eyes,
You'll never stay awake.
So keep those peepers open wide. 
Don't blink for goodness' sake!"

The illustrations are funny, too. Some animals are pictured with their eyes open extremely wide while others have drooping, half-open eyes. And then there are some who've given up altogether on trying to stay awake. The last two pages show animals who are all finally fast asleep. 

My Thoughts

Goodness, how many times did I put my little ones to bed only to hear, "But I'm not tired!" If you've been reading my children's book reviews lately, you know how much I love goodnight books. I think Don't Close Your Eyes is a GREAT book to add to your bedtime reading routine.

I love all the blue, green, and turquoise colors that are perfect for nighttime. Plus, these rich colors are a nice backdrop for making all the silly animals pop right off the pages in the soft moonlight. Some of the text flows in a wavy pattern which I think adds a nice touch as well. 

This book offers a really fun way to try some reverse psychology on your kids. ;) Not only that, I foresee some giggles and snuggles galore. The text is great. The illustrations are great. I think this book will quickly become a favorite!


Book Rating: 5 stars.

Purchase the book here. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”