Baby, Sleepy Baby

Baby, Sleepy Baby is a simple but effective book about the unconditional love given to a tired baby. The abundance of love between the baby and their family members bursts off each page. The mother, grandmother, sister, and father call on every element in the universe to lull their little love to sleep. The baby lays down to sleep and feels the softness of a cloud, the exhilarating motion of the wind, the splendor of the stars, and the bright beams from the moon. This story celebrates diversity by displaying a racially blended family; although race is not directly discussed, it still shows children that love transcends the color of skin.

Author Atinuke uses calming, rhythmic language to ease children into a peaceful headspace before sleep. Angela Brooks has created astonishingly beautiful pictures that will comfort and soothe the sleepy babies staring at these pages. The watercolor effect is combined with naturalistic elements such as stars, clouds, waves, and moonlight. Reading to children before sleep can help them have a more peaceful night’s rest. This is the type of story that can be read before bedtime to form a relaxing and consoling nightly routine for infants through to toddlers.