While I Sleep - Hardcover

Calhoun, Mary

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0688082017 ISBN 13: 9780688082017

Publisher: William Morrow & Co, 1992

Synopsis

Mama and Papa explain to their child at bedtime where all the other creatures go to sleep

About this title

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1-- Calhoun and Young combine their many talents in a bedtime picture book that is ultimately less than successful. An unidentified child asks where animals and vehicles sleep at night; Mama and Papa's answers comprise the narrative. Small framed square illustrations show the slumbering objects or animals superimposed on double- page spreads depicting them in action--a galloping horse, pouncing cat, soaring airplane, etc. These dream sequences feature Young's luminous pastel watercolors and swirling lines. In contrast, the sleep worlds are dark, contained, and have more linear patterns. While all of the illustrations are visually striking, they vary in drama and effectiveness. However, the problem with the book lies neither in the quiet meditative text nor the impressive paintings, but with audience compatibility. Children who are young enough to enjoy the simple bedtime theme may lack the sophistication to understand and appreciate the artwork. Without an explanation or introduction, they may not distinguish between the contrasting sleep and dream states. Older childen will appreciate the book's artistic merit but will be bored by the simple narrative. A literary lullaby that doesn't quite strike the right chord. --Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WI
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly

Although both text and art of this quiet picture book have much to commend them individually, they seem to strain against each other for different effects. Calhoun's somewhat awkward text begins abruptly: "Time for bed, dear. / Mama, does everything go to sleep at night? " What follows is a predictable series: " Where does the dog sleep, Mama? / While you sleep / the dog sleeps / flopped by the fire." Even boats, trains and planes sleep, the child is told, but "the moon stays up all night to watch over you." Each spread consists of a dreamlike scumbled pastel illustration surrounding a dark square. The square containing the text and sleeping dog, e.g., is circumscribed by a yellow-and-green page where the dream dog is pictured running with an animal in its mouth. Even though Young's illustrations are visionary and striking, they seem too abstract for the prosaic text and for the intended preschool audience. Ages 1-up.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: William Morrow & Co
• Publication date: 1992
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0688082017
• ISBN 13: 9780688082017
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Young Ed
• Number of pages: 1