Book Review of Wake Up!!
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The Children’s Book Review
Wake Up!!
Written by Benjamin Leavitt
Illustrated by Ethan Roffler
Ages: 4-6 | 42 Pages
Publisher: Self-Published (2026) | ISBN: 979-8993278414
What to Expect: Sleep, family life, humor, imagination, and play.
Absurdity and grown-up logic collide in this lively, laugh-out-loud picture book as a spirited young girl comes up with increasingly outrageous excuses for why sleep is simply not an option.
In Wake Up!!, there’s only one reason to wake up a grown-up, and that’s a real emergency. Luckily, according to our young protagonist, there are urgent emergencies that cannot wait! The walls are turning into blueberry jelly, an angry owl in the attic suspects her of hat theft, the bed is floating in hot, melted cheese, and there’s even a gaggle of geese perched on her head! Each “emergency” grows more absurd than the last, showcasing the boundless creativity that is keeping her—and her poor father—awake. But she’s not the only one who’s creative—Dad has some creative suggestions for dealing with all of her emergencies… just as soon as he’s gotten some sleep.
Each explanation builds on the last, creating a playful rhythm, while the book’s use of rhyme, layout, and first-person narration immerses the reader in the chaos. The illustrations bring the little girl’s wild imaginings to life, using loosely sketched, scribbled details and exaggerated proportions that evoke movement, confusion, and liveliness. Each page is crowded with funny narrative details that capture the whimsy of childish imagination. The outrageous scenarios are balanced by the father’s warmth and patience, capturing both the humor and the intimacy of sleep struggles that will resonate with many families.
Perfect for reading aloud, the story invites listeners to revel in the silliness while appreciating the universal challenge of falling asleep.
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About the Author
Benjamin Leavitt came into writing children’s books by way of a filmmaking career, directing commercials, documentaries, and food and travel videos. For his debut picture book, he didn’t have to go far for inspiration — for years, his children would wake up before dawn, ready to take on the world. Their creativity, exuberance, and empathy provide no shortage of story ideas. He resides just outside of Philadelphia with his wife, two kids, and a sweet old dog.
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