Kiss Good Night, Sam

Simple, super sweet, and perfect for a bedtime read.

It's time for Sam to go to bed, despite the storm brewing outside. When Mrs. Bear asks if he's ready, he tells her he's waiting...which is her cue to read him a book and snuggle him into bed. But when she asks again if he's ready, his response doesn't change. Soon, she's mentally going through the list of what she might have forgotten.

I got my hands on the hard copy of this little board book, although I do understand that there is a 'puffy' board book and an audio form on this one, too. This book has been around for a few years, and after reading it, I know why it's stood the test of time. It's simple, hits a very familiar situation, has a tinsy-bit of tension due to the storm and, show more most importantly, is packed with love.

There is a bit more text than in many board books (not too much, though). This makes it ideal for a bedtime read, since it gives listeners just a tiny bit more time to sink into the scene and let their minds drift. Especially ages 2 to 5 will enjoy this one, and it has a great size for their hands. As a board book, it's also more robust and can be tugged into bed without worries of pages crinkling and such.

The illustrations are detailed and allow Sam and his mother to come across as a loving bear family. I did enjoy gazing at each one, and especially appreciate the artistic flair.

For those looking for bedtime reads, this is definitely one to pick up, especially if you don't mind giving a kiss...or two...or even more before you say 'good night'. I received a complimentary copy and find this to be a great, 'good night' read. show less

On a dark and stormy night on Plum Street, Sam (a little bear) refuses to go to sleep, informing Mrs. Bear that he is “waiting.” Thus begins Mrs. Bear’s attempt to find out what her son is waiting for in Amy Hest’s Kiss Good Night. In an attempt to get Sam to go to sleep, Mrs. Bear performs many bed-time activities. She reads him a book, makes a nest out of his red blanket and arranges his stuffed animal friends within it, and brings milk to drink with him. Still, the wind outside says, “Whoo, whoo” and Sam will not go to sleep. Finally, Mrs. Bear remembers what Sam is waiting for, which of course is in the title of the book.
This story has gentle illustrations by Anita Jeram, where details like toys shaped like dogs and cats show more are not missed. It is a soothing tale that could easily prepare small children for bedtime. It would also make a wonderful read-aloud, with words like those of the wind (“Whoo, whoo”) being printed larger than the rest of the text. The only weak point is that, at times, Kiss Good Night feels disjointed. This is due to the fact that whenever Sam’s mother asks if he is ready to go to sleep, he simply states “I’m waiting,” and the reader must infer that he is waiting on some action his mother normally performs. Recommended for Pre-K. show less

This book is a great bed time story for little kids. Mama bear is putting Sam to bed with a nightly routine and Sam can’t go to sleep without a kiss goodnight from his mom. This book would be a good read to help introduce kids to bedtime routines. The illustrations are very adorable and heartwarming,

This book is a great story for a read aloud. I read it to the Kindergarten class I was interning in and they loved the story. They were able to relate to Sam's bedtime routine. They also loved the repetition of Sam's answer of "I am waiting." I think that this would also be a great bedtime story.

A very sweet bedtime story which gives you an excuse (not that you need one) to give your kids lots of kisses before tucking them in for the night.

This book is good for younger children. It portrays a picture of love and children need that. If you keep reading it children will be able to hopefully help you read it and tell you what comes next.

Good read aloud. Bedtime routine for Baby Bear, he can't sleep until he gets his kiss good night.