PPBF – Alphabedtime

It’s been a while since I last participated in Perfect Picture Book Friday. So I couldn’t think of a better way to jump back in than by featuring a recent release from Susanna Hill – the creator of this picture book loving community!

Title: Alphabedtime

Written By: Susanna Leonard Hill

Illustrated By: Betsy Snyder

Publisher/Date: Nancy Paulsen Books/2022

Suitable for Ages: 3-6

Themes/Topics: bedtime; alphabet; rhyming

Opening:

Suppertime’s over./Everyone’s fed./Alpha Mom says,/ TIME FOR BED!

Brief Synopsis: Twenty-six kids head off to bed in this riotous, rhyming bedtime story.

Links to Resources:

• Find items in your bedroom for each letter of the alphabet (or as many as you can find, just in case you don’t have space for a xylophone or zebra);
• Compare your bedtime routine with that of the Alpha Family. How is it the same? How is it different? Is your routine more or less lively than theirs?
• Check out more activities to further the fun at Laura Sassi Tales.

Why I Like this Book:

In rollicking, rhyming text, readers follow along as 26 active kids get ready for bed. I love the combination of sparse text and detailed illustrations. It’s perfect for little ones eager to explore each page. And I love the unique personalities that Hill and Snyder give to each child, and the items beginning with each letter that accompany each and every one. Even the menagerie of pets that appear in each spread join in the fun.

Reading Alphabedtime is a wonderful way to introduce toddlers to the alphabet, to showcase bedtime routines, and to entertain sleepy little ones. And I think more than one adult reading this after a busy day will be relieved to have far fewer kiddos to tuck in at night.

With bright, primary-colored, detailed illustrations, Snyder gives each lettered child a unique personality. The parents are a biracial couple and the kids have differing skin tones.

A Note about Craft:

Alphabedtime is a fast-paced, rollicking read – something that I don’t often think of when I think of bedtime books, which tend to be slower-paced and quieter. But because the story follows familiar bedtime routines and because Hill slows the pace towards the end, this is a perfect book to read even with young toddlers at bedtime. I know – my 15-month old grandson loves it!

This Perfect Picture Book entry is being added to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book list. Check out the other great picture books featured there!