Hello dear friends!
Somehow, the day has almost gotten away from me. But it’s Perfect Picture Book Friday and I wanted to make sure that I shared a picture book that will be a wonderful addition to every young child’s library. Plus, author Carol Gordon Ekster has offered to donate a picture book manuscript critique as a giveaway! Woo-hoo! So please make sure you leave a comment to be entered for a chance to win it!
YOU KNOW WHAT?
Written by Carol Gordon Ekster
Illustrated by Nynke Talsma
Published by Clavis Group (2017)
Ages: 3-7
Themes: Bedtime, Procrastination, Curiosity
Synopsis:
From Amazon: Oliver should go to sleep. But there is so much he wants to tell his mother about: what happened that day at school, the things he read in books, everything he sees around him.
A touching and familiar picture book about (postponing) the ritual of going to sleep.
Why I like this book:
- I have three children and I remember the words, “You know what?” because they were the words my kids used to put off their bedtime. They all knew their mommy loved to engage in conversation (yup…I haven’t changed) and they knew I would never cut off their curiosity. This is a book that will strike a chord with every parent and every child.
- Great illustrations that show Oliver in all of his bedtime preparations…kids will identify with his routine.
- Filled with heart and humor.
RELATED ACTIVITIES:
Make a bedtime routine chart
Photo courtesy: https://bitzngiggles.com
I think if you surveyed parents, one of the most difficult tasks for them is getting the kids to bed. One thing that helps is to put routines in place. And here’s a super cool chart that you can make with your kiddos. For detailed instructions, please go to: https://bitzngiggles.com/printable-bedtime-routine-charts/
Thank you for spending some of your precious time here, dear friends. I hope you’ll hop over to author Melissa Stoller’s blog on Monday because I’ll be stopping by there to chat about my writing process and more. Here is a link to her website, but my post won’t be up until the 26th. https://www.melissastoller.com/
I’m kind of sad to say goodbye to February…but I am so looking forward to the beginning of March because that will mean it is time for the #50PreciousWords Writing Challenge. Please come back on Friday, March 2nd when we celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss with our 50-word stories. I’m excited to read all of your precious words!
And don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win the picture book manuscript critique from Carol.
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
My grandchildren are a testimony to this bedtime dilemma that has been going on for generations. I love that this story addresses it with love. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This picture book sounds great – such a strong concept that, as you mentioned, so many parents and children will identify with. It sounds like the story could also be used to help prompt discussions about a child’s day when they’re less forthcoming about details or are not sure how to bring things up. Thanks for sharing, and for the opportunity to win a critique!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kellie, that’s such a great idea – to be used to help prompt discussion about a child’s day! I love that. Thank you.
LikeLike
I can relate to this question.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Can’t wait to read this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love how much Oliver wants to share his life. I hope he gets to sleep.
LikeLike
Yes, he does! And this story is finished on the end pages. It shows Oliver and his stuffed animals asleep. You just have to peek under the back book jacket!
LikeLike
Looks like another winner! I love the cover of this book.
LikeLike
Thank you. I was so thrilled with this illustrator. She even makes her own stamps to use in her illustrations.
LikeLike
I like the bedtime charts and will share with my adult children. I would love a Pb critique and will order your book You Know What.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I love the bedtime charts that Vivian connected to the story. She’s amazing!
LikeLike
You know what? This is a great title, Carol. And, you know what? Vivian goes to bed just about the time I’m getting up!!! (Hi Vivian)
LikeLike
Yes! Great topic! Going to sleep was such a hard time for my daughter. She had energy plus. We read lots of books…wish this one had been one of them. Wishing you the best Carol 🙂
LikeLike
What a cute and clever premise of a universal problem. Thanks for introducing us to Carol’s book. And I like the extra fun activities, as well.
LikeLike
Bedtime is special opportunity for connecting and unwinding with our children. This book sounds lovely, I will check it out. And thank you for helpful resource!
LikeLike
Great book for all those questuons that plague us just before bedtime. Love it. What a beautiful cover. I put it on my library wish list.(Have to wait u til after REFOREMO!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Carol and Vivian. This looks like a wonderful book. I find even with teenagers the conversation starts right when it should be ending. You know what? How can you resist!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So many parents and children will be able to relate to this book! My children’s favorite time to talk is at bedtime. In fact, we’ve deliberately built in an extra 30 minutes into their routine just so they have time to say everything they need to say. 🙂 Looking forward to reading this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are an awesome parent to deliberately build in an extra 30 minutes. We never want to shut down the opportunity for our children to be able to have our undivided attention.
LikeLike
Thanks, Carol! Some days it’s hard to find that time. But if we skip it, I notice a difference in all of us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bedtime involved quite a complicated ritual for my daughter. Her mind always seemed most active when the sun went down. Thanks, Carol. I’m looking forward to reading this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
No matter how many we have she always wants one more story at bedtime.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My daughter says this exact phrase every evening! Looking forward to checking this one out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This subject resonates & I think kids & their parents will enjoy seeing themselves in the story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This book sounds adorable!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Funny, but it isn’t my daughter who owns this marvelous ritual of postponing bedtime… It’s me! It always seems when everyone is sleepy, my mind is revving up with all that happened that day, everything I want to take care of the next day, and the latest news of what’s happening to one of the characters in a manuscript I’m working on. I think I need this book more than my daughter does. I’m looking forward to checking it out.
LikeLiked by 1 person