The Dream Train: Poems for Bedtime - by Sean Taylor (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A dreamy treasure trove of thirty bedtime poems to snuggle over together--and return to night after night

When night arrives and the birds swoop home to nest, it's time to have a bath, put on pajamas, brush teeth, and settle in for sleep. This soothing collection of Sean Taylor's original verse and rhyme for the very young explores the ritual of bedtime with warmth, tenderness, and gentle humor. Thirty poems in many styles, from shape poems to free verse to ballad poems, are divided into three sections. From sleepy bats to dreaming ducks, from a favorite blanket to the chugga! chugga! of a dream train coming down the tracks, these imaginative variations on a timeless theme--brought to life in soft, shimmering illustrations--resonate with pure emotion, inviting sleepyheads of every stripe to indulge in sweet dreams.

Review Quotes

With soothing repetition and alliteration, most poems make excellent read-alouds. . . Readers will linger over the lively details. . . With an enticing mix of playful whimsy and quiet moments, this well-crafted collection of accessible verse and lovely illustrations should appeal to a wide audience.
--School Library Journal

Across descriptions of nighttime routines, warm blankets, and starry skies, Taylor employs various verse types to usher readers to sleep. . . . The whole package soothingly and successfully points the way to zzz's.
--Publishers Weekly

The transition from wakefulness to dreamland is lyrically explored in this accessible poetry collection. . . . Allepuz's softly focused mixed-media illustrations glow with warmth. Expansive scenes filled with whimsical details (a pajama-clad child napping on a cloud; a flute-playing mouse) lend a magical atmosphere. A dreamy bedtime-poetry collection well suited for reading aloud.
--Booklist

British poet Taylor sends little ones to bed with thirty imaginative poems in three thematic sets. . . With a mix of rhyming and free-verse poetry, along with frequent, satisfying repetition, Taylor offers selections to read aloud and read together. . . Most young listeners will likely choose favorites to hear repeatedly.
--The Horn Book

Taylor makes effective use of rhyme, rhythm, and repetition to weigh down young eyelids.
--Kirkus Reviews

This oversized, thick book from a British team, with lots of illustrations that match the mood of each poem, is a bargain at $19.99. These are simple, short poems that will send the kiddos into slumber with visions of being with mom and dad and having a good day.
--The Pioneer Press

About the Author

Sean Taylor has written more than forty books for young readers. These include picture books such as Hoot Owl, Master of Disguise and I Want to Be in a Scary Story, both illustrated by Jean Jullien; Where the Bugaboo Lives, illustrated by Neal Layton; The World Champion of Staying Awake, illustrated by Jimmy Liao; A Brave Bear, illustrated by Emily Hughes; and Don't Call Me Choochie Pooh!, illustrated by Kate Hindley. He lives in Bristol, England.

Anuska Allepuz is the author-illustrator of Little Green Donkey and has illustrated several acclaimed picture books, including What Will You Dream of Tonight? by Frances Stickley and A Bear Is a Bear (except when he's not) by Karl Newson. She lives in Cambridge, England.