How to make a bedtime by Meg McKinlay and Karen Blair

Sometimes the hardest part of a parent's day is trying to get a little one to bed and to sleep and there are a myriad of books that focus on the theme. But even the experts agree that the most successful strategy is to have a recognisable routine and in this new offering from Meg McKinlay the young reader is taken through all the familiar things that must happen to draw the curtains on the day, including, of course, a bedtime story.

Using a cuddly bear as the adult, and rhythmic, rhyming language to carry the narrative, we share the final game in the blanket fort, bathtime, putting on pyjamas, looking for the lost teddy, a song and a cuddle and of course, the story - all events that little ones will recognise as they get ready to snuggle down. Perhaps there are other things that are part of their routine they could add as they compare their routine to that in the story. And certainly the adult sharing the story will relate to Bear's final action revealed on the back endpaper!!!

One to give to all parents who are travelling this path with their toddler and who dread that time of the day...

Themes: Bedtime.

Barbara Braxton