Oh, Are You Awake? - by Bob Shea (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

It's sleepy time for Lion and Penguin. Correction: it should be sleepy time for Lion and Penguin, but Lion's eyes aren't tired, and his ears would like a story. Penguin, however, is tired and nods off into sweet candy dreams--until a noise wakes him. "Oh, are you awake?" asks Lion sweetly, seated before a drum set. "Let's have that story, then!" "Not now. It is time to close your eyes and dream dreams." And so it goes, with an ever-more-disgruntled Penguin trying to nod off while an exuberant Lion innocently practices his drumming, bounces on his squeaky trampoline, and munches on his crunchy chips. Will Penguin need to resort to extreme measures to get his friend to sleep, or has the answer been there all along? Bob Shea's signature wit, delivered only in dialogue, and Jarvis's unassuming, retro art and knack for visual humor are sure to delight young readers--and their caregivers--whether at naptime, bedtime, or anytime.

Review Quotes

Jarvis (Together with You) riffs on impeccable comic beats from Shea (Chez Bob) using naif-style digital artwork whose elements feel handmade--Lion's circular mane embodies crayon-like textures, while Penguin is rendered in what looks like feathered ink. It's a funny, visually playful bedtime battle of wills in which both beings get the resolution of their dreams.
--Publishers Weekly

The pals' back and forth will be recognizable to any kid/caregiver duo who've wrestled with bedtime routines, though this picture book eschews the adult role's strict bossiness for sweet silliness, making it clear that Penguin has just as much a penchant for fun as Lion--just not before sleeping. Digital illustrations have an inviting, childlike style. . . A candy-colored palette cleverly references Penguin's desire for "sweet" dreams, and the smudges and dapples evoke an ethereal feel, in contrast to the more solid and saturated tones of Penguin and Lion's reality. . . this is prime material for readers' theatre, especially if one can find a few props for the dream sequences.
--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

In this tale from two veteran picture-book creators, a wide-awake lion demanding bedtime stories from a sleepy penguin takes center stage. . . the funny alternating dialogue (Penguin's in black, Lion's in blue) and soft digital illustrations sure to spur young listeners' imaginations make for an entertaining bedtime romp. . . Enticement into dreamland for children requesting just one more bedtime story.
--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Jarvis is the author-illustrator of the chapter book Bear and Bird: The Picnic and Other Stories as well as such picture books as Alan's Big, Scary Teeth; Tropical Terry; Follow Me, Flo!; and The Boy with Flowers in His Hair. He is also the illustrator of Pick a Pine Tree, Pick a Pumpkin, and Pick a Perfect Egg, all by Patricia Toht. An animator who has worked as a record jacket designer and an animation director, he lives in Manchester, England.