I love Little Quack, and this translation of Little Quack's Bedtime is no exception. As with all good pictures books, the illustrations tell more than half of the story.Cuaquito (Little Quack) and his four siblings are trying to fall asleep when something in the darkness frightens them. Mama duck demystifies each startling object and, one by one, the ducklings fall asleep. There is a clue on the page preceding the revelation of each "thing." Readers will enjoy trying to guess what the thing is before turning the page. Children can also participate by chiming in with Mama Duck's repeated phrase, "Pero ya es hora de dormir, patitos."I wish Thompson had come up with more nocturnal critters to interrupt bedtime. The reeds are a bit lame--especially on the heels of the scary tree branches. Crickets chirping? Bats winging? I guess a hyena is from the wrong habitat--not to mention something to actually be afraid of! :)Great bedtime, nap time, or calm-down story for children ages 2-7.
What do You think about Little Quack's Bedtime (2005)?
I have been doing Dots for Tots on this book for some months as a volunteer at Braille Institute. I had no idea until I began placing the sticky Braille dots over the words in this book that blind children are as afraid of the dark as some children with sight are.Knowing that, this book touched me deeply because the mother duck reassures her brood that the sounds and shadows of the night are nothing to fear.The ducklings, especially Little Quack, are adorable and beautifully rendered. I've learned that blind children are scared at night because that's when they are alone. During the day they have plenty of company.For sighted children, the illustrations are above-average and quite charming. I'd recommend this to any parent whose child is afraid to sleep alone.
—A.J. Llewellyn
