It's time to shout out another book birthday. Today's read doesn't hit the shelves until the 6th, but celebrating early gives more time to party, right?
I thought the cover on this book radiates calm imagination to inspire dreams. Mix that with a magic train ride, and I can see the book holding tons of potential. This also happens to be a sound book with a button on many scenes with fitting sounds. Honestly, I only received a digital copy without sounds—so sad. But that also means that I can't review that aspect. I considered skipping a review because of that but really want to give it a try, since magical trains can bring so much.
So, I'm crossing my fingers that this book doesn't rely heavily on the sound aspect and holds a lovely tale and illustrations even without the extra, audio fun.
THE MAGIC BEDTIME TRAIN RIDE
A Sleepy Soundbook
by Becky Watson
Illustrated by Lauren Degraaf
Frances Lincoln Children Books
Picture Book
24 pages
ages 4 to 8
Bring a moment of calm to the end of a busy day with this Sleepy Soundbook – combining sound, storytelling and a little dreamy magic.
Here come our passengers, tickets at the ready: Lullaby the leopard, Rockabye the rabbit, Starlight the sloth . . . everyone is here, for a trip on the Dreamland Express. And readers can join the journey – press the star on each page to bring the sounds of the story to life!
The train winds through a forest; past a gently flowing river; through and under a waterfall; around a park full of birdsong; to the seaside; up into the mountains; under a sky full of stars; into a station, where crickets are chirping; and then into a cosy mountain cabin, where the fire crackles and a soothing song sends the little friends to sleep.
This sound book features:
- 10 touch-activated, ten-second sound clips, each one a blend of calming noises from nature and soft, sleepy instrumental music.
- Rhythmic, tactile sounds including crickets chirping and the gentle crackle of a fire – offering ASMR appeal and creating an immersive experience that should help children feel cocooned and calm.
- A charming story with adorable animal characters, told in words that are simple and soothing: to be read slowly and softly.
- Hand-painted artwork from rising star Lauren Degraaf, rich with details of the train’s starlit journey – with a shimmery cover.
The result is a gentle sensory wind-down . . . A story to charm and inspire, illustrations to get lost in and sounds to send little ones drifting off on their own trip to Dreamland!
MANUFACTURER’S NOTE:
Please pull the white tab out of the back of the book before use. Sound buttons require a firm push in exact location to work, which may be hard for young children.
MY TIDBITS
Quick note: I received a digital copy to review, which doesn't include the sounds. So, this review covers the illustrations and story alone.
With playful fantasy, this is a gentle tale which leads to wonderful dreams.
It's time to board the Dreamland Express, and three friends are ready with their tickets to join the ride. Inside, everything is lively and comfortable, and soon, each one finds their favorite spots. With mugs of hot chocolate in hand, they watch through the windows to see amazing sights, each full of beautiful fantasy.
I'm going to start with the illustrations because those alone make this read a treat. Each scene lets listeners sink into a world of sheer delight. From gorgeous waterfalls to sparkling beaches with treasures every view through the train window will have listeners wishing they could visit each place. But even the train itself is like a child's paradise with delicious treats, warm friendliness, and comforts to satisfy every need. It's impossible not to want to jump on board with these passengers and enjoy the journey right along with them.
The text works well as a read-aloud and introduces each moment, while asking inviting questions and hinting at the included sounds. It introduces just enough before letting listeners get lost in the images and enjoying the rest of the tale in that way.
It creates a lovely, bedtime read which invites to dreams and happy thoughts.
And here she is...
Lauren Degraaf is a children’s book illustrator based in Ontario, Canada; she studied Fine Art at Fanshawe College. Lauren takes inspiration from the nature that surrounds her home, using light and shadow to capture different atmospheres and achieve a hazy, dreamlike look in her work. The Magic Bedtime Train Ride is her second book, after A Roll of the Dice: Enchanted Forest (Abrams). Visit her at her website www.laurendegraafillo.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment