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This illustrated children’s book describes the unique sleeping habits of several creatures from around the world. There are examples, such as birds and squirrels, who rest during the night and spend most of each day getting food or going about their business. Then, there are nocturnal creatures like skunks and raccoons. And there are yet others, such as zebras and sheep, who might sleep or nap for periods during the day and night, oftentimes standing up as they do so. Many of them rest while huddled together for warmth, including butterflies and pigs, and because it makes them feel safer. The locations where these sleepers enjoy a respite are also touched upon in the book, from high up in trees to underneath houses. As further examples, ducks sleep atop the water, while herons might stand in water with one leg sometimes uplifted.
The author’s book illustrates the importance of getting children interested in the natural world around them as early as possible. Learning about how various animals sleep is a wonderful way to do exactly that, and this story will likely encourage young readers to learn about the sleeping habits of other animals not depicted on the pages of this book. Becoming invested in learning about the whole topic is always a delightful reaction for anyone (young or old) to have after reading a story, and the ability to foster such a response is the mark of a talented author. Further, because the subject relates to sleeping, it makes this book the perfect choice for a bedtime story. Kids can have fun listening to the ways in which many creatures settle down to sleep while doing the same thing. Overall, Sawyer’s book makes for a wholesome and educational read.