How to Make a Bedtime - by Meg McKinlay (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Inside a wonderfully warm home, a cuddly parental bear guides a young child through their bonding bedtime routine. A sloshy bath, soft pajamas, a song for singing, a huggily hug before a story, then it's bedtime at last."--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

How do you make a perfect bedtime? An award-winning author and acclaimed illustrator craft a soothing picture book sure to inspire sweet dreams every night.

When the sun's light is fading and night's on the rise,
it's time to start yawning your sleepy goodbyes.
Time for snuggling and snoozing and slumbering now.
Time for making your bedtime, and I'll show you how.

Inside a wonderfully warm home, a cuddly parental bear guides a young child through their bonding bedtime routine. A sloshy bath, soft pajamas, a song for singing, a huggily hug before a story, then it's bedtime at last. Cozy, appealing illustrations by Karen Blair accompany author Meg McKinlay's melodic, rhyming text in a picture book that little ones and their caretakers will want to incorporate into their own nightly rituals.

Review Quotes

An artfully constructed bedtime book.
--Kirkus Reviews

McKinlay imbues the familiar routine with low-key, teasing suspense and inventive endearments, while Blair offers the fantasy of a caregiver whose furry snout, loving gaze, and warm, pajamaed bulk supply endless patience and ideal hugs.
--Publishers Weekly

McKinlay's rhyming text is both lulling and lively as the youngster, adorned with a soap-bubble beard, plays with a rubber duckie. . . . Blair deftly employs soothing colors in her illustrations, capturing the coziness of this warm ritual; the large bear never feels imposing, and the child's sleepy body language is sweet. . . . A bear hug of a book that could become a bedtime favorite.
--The Horn Book

About the Author

Meg McKinlay is an award-winning author of children's books and novels. Her books include DUCK!, illustrated by Nathaniel Eckstrom; Duck for a Day and No Bears, both illustrated by Leila Rudge; and How to Make a Bird, illustrated by Matt Ottley. Meg McKinlay lives in Western Australia.

Karen Blair works as a part-time elementary-school art teacher. She loves to illustrate the adventures of childhood and often draws inspiration for her characters from her students and children. Her award-winning books include Something Wonderful and Hello from Nowhere by Raewyn Caisley, With Nan by Tania Cox, Granny Grommet and Me by Dianne Wolfer, Me and You by Deborah Kelly, Baby Beats, and Baby Animal Farm. Karen Blair lives in Western Australia.