Chasing away the nighttime blues

By Luisa LaFleur, The Children’s Book Review
Published: July 24, 2009

Little ones having trouble sleeping? Afraid of what lurks in the shadowy corners of their rooms? That puny night light isn’t enough? Then fear not! Two recently published books purport to help our little ones sleep soundly in the peace and comfort of their own beds. What sleep-deprived parent wouldn’t be interested in these? Especially given that both books were created with the help of developmental psychologists and other childhood experts. I know I was quick to try them out!

Bye Bye Monster (Dr Toy Best Picks, 2008)

by Kelly Lucente (Author), Mary Horan (Author), Tim Brazier (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 1-10

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Beaver’s Pond Press (December 10, 2008)

The first one, Bye Bye Monster by Kelli Lucente, tells the story of little Joey. He tries to go to sleep but he hears strange noises in the night. And lo and behold, there is a strange monster lurking in his dresser drawer….but this is a different kind of monster. He’s a good guy and he shows Joey there’s really nothing to fear. The story is entertaining and the illustrations portray the various monsters in non-threatening ways. There are additional products one can purchase to help keep the monsters at bay, such as the author’s organic Bye Bye Monster room spray. My three-year-old loved spraying away the monsters at bedtime after reading the story and the room smelled nice, too!

Publisher’s synopsis: Joey had monsters in his closet, so bedtime was never easy. He heard strange noises in his room at night and often thought they were monsters. Joey is convinced he can face his fear when a furry monster named Barley pops out of his dresser drawer. Once Barley explains that all monsters aren’t scary, he takes Joey on an adventure to Monster Street where children go when they cannot sleep at night. All children will be able to relate to Joey’s nighttime challenge and will enjoy taking an adventure with him as he encounters handy ways to use his spray, meet new friends, and learn valuable lessons along the way.

Add this book to your collection: Bye Bye Monster

Visit: http://www.byebyemonstershop.com/

Bedtime with Rollo the NightSpryte

by David Bier, Seth Bier

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 24 pages

Publisher: Sweet Dreams Press; 1st edition (May 1, 2009)

The second book, Bedtime with Rollo the NightSpryte by David and Seth Bier, takes a slightly different angle on bedtime fears. Rollo is a rough and tumble night spryte determined to sweeten your children’s dreams and help them sleep peacefully. With comic book illustrations, Rollo tries to demystify some of the common sources of bedtime fears. For example, Rollo explains that although monsters are portrayed badly in fairy tales, in reality it’s just a marketing ploy to spice up the story. He also introduces a whole bunch of scary monsters and shows that they really aren’t that bad. They’re just scary looking. They don’t really mean to scare anyone. The book comes with a plush Rollo toy for your little one to snuggle with.

Publisher’s synopsis: Got monsters? Kids scared of the dark? There’s no need to fear, Rollo the NightSpryte is here! Bedtime with Rollo introduces the first and only character specifically designed to help children conquer the age-old, common bedtime fears. Rollo empowers your little loved ones by helping them take control of their blossoming imaginations. Bedtime with Rollo is a fun-tastic, colorful, laugh-out-loud read, and a monster-free room… that’s guaranteed.

Add this book to your collection: Bedtime with Rollo the NightSpryte

Visit: http://www.nightsprytes.com/

You may also like: There’s a Nightmare in My Closet by Mercer Mayer