Author Giovanna Zoboli describes a series of slumbering animals in repose in her rhyming text, while artist Simona Mulazzani depicts those animals in their various beds, perches and hideaways. From mice and mole in the cellar, to two camels sleeping on bunk-beds in the desert, the species and locales may vary, but the peaceful quiet of sleep remains constant.

Originally published in Italy as Il grande libro dei pisolini, this lovely picture-book offers a whimsical look at sleeping animals, one where beds are lodged securely in trees and birds sleep in hammocks. I found Mulazzani's artwork absolutely beautiful - the deep colors, the stylized, somewhat quirky animal figures, all combined to create peaceful nighttime vistas - but thought Zoboli's text was rather uneven. Sometimes the rhyme scheme worked, and sometimes it felt a little forced to me, as if words were being chosen solely because of the sound they created. As I have read other books from Zoboli that I enjoyed - her A Most Mysterious Mouse was one of the best picture-books I read last year! (2016) - I put a lot of this down to issues of translation, as I would imagine rhyming poetry must be very difficult to translate from one language to another. Despite those moments where I thought the text stumbled a bit, I still enjoyed The Big Book of Slumber, and would recommend it to those looking for new goodnight/bedtime books. ( )

Engaging rhyming text and beautiful illustrations about a variety of slumbering animals makes for lovely bedtime reading. Originally published in Italy. ( )

I originally borrowed this from another library, gave it a quick skim, was not particularly impressed and meant to return it quickly. When I got a review copy from the publisher, I took another look and as I read it more thoroughly I gradually came to like it a lot more. In fact, I even love parts of it now. The moral being, if you want me to like your picture book, send me a review copy so I feel obligated to spend longer looking at it (-:)

The "story" is a series of rhymed couplets that show animals sleeping in silly or fantastical ways. A series of four couplets will start with "hushaby lullaby" or something similar, and each page has four couplets. For example,

"Hushaby, lullaby, pillows and sheets.
Cozy young fox is all warm, but her feet.

Doves in the branches and bug on the bark --
only old owl guards them all in the dark.

(next spread)

Crocodile slumbers while counting up sheep.
From frog, toad, and teddy -- nary a peep.

Dormouse and badger in beds side by side.
'I like your pajamas,' friend badger confides."

The pictures have a definite European feel with slightly odd perspectives and a cheerful variety of colors and patterns. The various sleeping animals seem like they're sprinkled about the background, with seals sleeping in trees and flowered dolphins placed against the water. There isn't a definite plot or theme to the book, which I think was what threw me off when I first skimmed through, but as I read it again, and read it aloud, I can see the dreamy pictures and gently lilting poetry lulling a child into sleep.

Verdict: This might have a few fans who will enjoy looking at the animals and the pictures, but this is mainly going to be popular as a bedtime story, a soothing read to enjoy together between a parent and child.

ISBN: 9780802854391; Published April 2014 by Eerdmans Books; Review copy provided by the publisher; Donated to the library

My daughter and I LOVE this book! We received an Advanced Reading Copy of this book in loose leaf oversize page form. It is gorgeous. Bright pictures with large text on every other page.

Animals go to sleep in their beds with their mommys close by. The book introduces a new animal each page, and the text produces a nice repetition which quiets the child before bedtime. My daughter asked questions about the text on almost every page, and we had great discussions about how animals go to bed or "what did the author mean when she wrote that word?"

This is a great book for your child or for a gift. I would not hesitate to purchase this book for a child as a gift with an animal toy so they can enjoy this book together at bedtime. ( )

"The Big Book of Slumber" is a beautifully illustrated goodnight-book in which various animals go to sleep. I was a little surprised that they all seem to go to sleep in human-like ways, in beds, with sleeping bags etc., but I guess that makes them more relatable. My 2 1/2 year old absolutely adores the pictures and wants to talk about all the animals. He's asked for the book several times when I got it, so that's always a clear win! I couldn't help but wonder what the rhymes are like in their original language. I think with a great translation, you don't necessarily notice that you're not reading the original, but here I sometimes did find the wording a little bit unusual. No big deal though, my son's love for the book and the beautiful pictures make up for that. ( )