Title: A Book of Sleep
Author/Illustrator: Il Sung Na
Age Group: 1-5
Synopsis: A soft and quirky story that investigates how different animals sleep.
The Lowdown:
We have recently turned a corner in our battle with sleep. Bug, who was a champion sleep for years had a sudden break in habit. Shortly after getting his big boy bed, he decided that anytime he woke up he needed to come alert us to that fact. Or if he had to go to the bathroom. Or if he missed us. Or his blankets weren’t properly tucked in anymore. Or maybe he had a sudden revelation about the meaning of life. Whatever the reason, we went from our fabulous full night of sleep to being woken up every couple hours. It was like having a newborn again. But while I understand that a baby can’t help but wake up, I KNOW Bug can and has slept through the night consistently for over 2 years. So we engaged in a battle of a bit of craziness but eventually cracked it. Thank goodness! I’m knocking on wood right now but hopefully it lasts. That being said, Il Sung Na’s A Book of Sleep seemed like a chuckle from the universe or maybe a congratulatory gesture. Either way, I’ll take it.
The book begins by describing the fall of night and we’re introduced to our guide, the owl. He then flies through the world of night, observing how other animals sleep. Some snore, some sleep standing up, and some keep any number of eyes open. The whole story is told delicately with subtle humor that is delivered by the illustrations. At the end the book concludes with the world waking up, except for the owl. Who of course, is now going to sleep.
The true strength in the story lies in the beauty of the illustrations and the simplicity of the plot. Its color scheme is soothing and dark, while being lit with sparkling details that delicately embroider the page. It’s not so very unlike the night sky with shining stars, a comparison I’m sure Il Sung Na was hoping to achieve, or if not achieved accidentally. The animals are all easily recognizable but have their own quirks which play into the humorous element of the story. The elephant dreams of blowing bubbles, the pigeons keep one eye open in an obnoxious and perfectly pigeon like way, the fish has both eyes open, staring insistently. The owl plays into this all, either by mimicking the animals or cautiously observing them from afar. But at now point does it become so amusing that it would cause the story to cease being what it really is: a bedtime story.
With such soothing illustrations and an easily accesible plot A Book of Sleep ticks all our boxes for a relaxing night time story. Il Sung Na delivers stunning illustrations and a small quirky dash of humor that keeps us smiling. Even as we drift off to sleep.
Story Tips:
- Pretend to sleep like the animals shown on each page. The resulting giggles are too much fun.
I need more!
Il Sung Na’s newest book The Dreamer will be out in September 2018. Other stories we’ve enjoyed from him include: Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit or Bird, Bear, Balloon. Check out more at: http://www.ilsungna.com/the-dreamer/
