Playtime for Restless Rascals - by Nikki Grimes (Hardcover)

About the Book

A mother wakes up her child whose job is to play, as there is so much to do in a fun-filled day, from dancing in puddles to jumping in leaves.

Book Synopsis

Celebrate Black joy, family time, imaginative play, and lyrical storytelling in this must-have diverse picture book from Coretta Scott King Award winning author Nikki Grimes.

Every day is full of possibility, especially when play is your most important job. In Playtime for Restless Rascals, a loving parent gently wakes their child, and together they leap into a world of puddle dancing, leaf jumping, and big-sky dreaming. This rhythmic, high-energy story turns the ordinary into a celebration of childhood magic.

Perfect for ages 3-7, this vibrant read-aloud favorite:

• Affirms that play is a vital part of childhood, building confidence and emotional connection
• Centers Black joy and everyday love, a window into the love, support, and laughter shared between a parent and child
• Engages young readers with lyrical language and playful repetition perfect for story time
• Captivates with rich, colorful illustrations that reflect the movement and wonder of a child's day

For parents, educators, and gift-givers seeking children's books that celebrate family, imagination, and everyday childhood adventures, this book delivers moments that make childhood unforgettable -- and love unmistakable.

Praise for Bedtime for Sweet Creatures:

"A patient mother with a healthy sense of whimsy helps prepare her headstrong toddler for bed. Zunon's art takes this book to the next level: Her portrayals of the animals mentioned in the text are colorful and full of intriguing patterns and shapes. An adventurous treat of a bedtime story."--Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

"An adorable and imaginative bedtime story to add to collections for young children...children will engage with the pajama-clad tot's antics and be soothed by the book's positive tone. A fabulous interpretation of an everyday battle."--Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

Praise for Off to See the Sea

"Children will delight... This ebullient account of a common childhood experience bursts with love and universal appeal."--Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

Review Quotes

"A stunning, warm story about the many ways that play sparks joy" -- Kirkus Reviews (STARRED review)

"Grimes crafts an outstanding story igniting a passion for play while mirroring its relationship to authentic work and the fundamental elements of true productivity: lunch, naptime, and winning" -- School Library Journal, STARRED review

"The tale captures the drama of a full day of play, empowering children by letting them know that they can be experts, too. The illustrations are beautiful, vibrant, and full of action, with creative ways of displaying text. Any child-and-parent duo is sure to relate to this depiction of a hard day at play" -- Booklist

"This is a beautiful and lighthearted celebration of young families. Highly recommended as a gift for new parents and for lapsit storytimes" -- Youth Services Book Review, STARRED review