Anyone looking for a fresh take on bedtime reading need look no further. I’ve found the Perfect Picture Book for you.
Title: This is NOT a Sleepy Bear Book
Written By: Brian Gehrlein
Illustrated By: Jennifer Harney
Publisher/Date: Little Brown/2025
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes/Topics: bedtime, noise, hibernation, bear, owl, bedtime routine, humor
Opening:
This is a sleepy bear book-
A gentle, quiet story.
So, settle in. Snuggle up.
And get ready for a long winter’s nap with Bear….
Brief Synopsis: A sleepy bear tries to settle down to hibernate but is interrupted repeatedly.
Links to Resources:
· Do you have a special bedtime routine? Draw pictures of some of the things you do to get ready to sleep or describe them in writing;
· Learn about hibernation.
Why I Like this Book:
In This is NOT a Sleepy Bear Book, Gehrlein tackles an evergreen subject, bedtime, in a fresh way by breaking the fourth wall, by including loads of humor, and by ending with a twist.
As the story commences, readers meet Owl who invites readers to “settle in” with Bear for a long winter’s nap. Queue the yawns as young readers snuggle in for this “gentle, quiet story,” perfect to lull them to sleep.
But the narrative and the pace change quickly as Owl and Bear discover a boisterous band in the den. Owl tries again, and a similarly noisy interruption invades Bear’s sanctuary.
It’s getting late so Owl speeds the narrative to finish before further interruption. I won’t spoil the ending but suffice it to say that the kids will be howling at this madcap adventure, sure to tire them out (hopefully!).
Once kids know the twist ending, one would think there’s no reason to read This is NOT a Sleepy Bear Book again. But Harney includes so many details to look for in the illustrations and Owl’s reactions to the mayhem are so funny, kids will be begging for repeat readings.
If you’re looking for a fresh take on bedtime books, and what parent or caregiver isn’t, I heartily recommend This is NOT a Sleepy Bear Book.
A Note about Craft:
From starting the story before the title page to breaking the fourth wall and constantly changing the storytelling style, Gehrlein includes so many storytelling techniques. His many pivots leave readers’ heads spinning and wanting to reread the story. Sometimes more is exactly what a story needs, as evident in This is NOT a Sleepy Bear Book.
*I was given access to a digital copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
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!
Wander, Ponder, Write 