I don’t know about you, but I have retained my love of children’s books into adulthood. They are so fantastical and fun! Some are educational, and some are just for entertainment, but what really gets me is how much storytelling happens in such a short amount of time. Within the thirty or so pages in a children’s book, there is a setup, catalyst, midpoint, fun and games, and more! Sometimes there is even a dark night of the soul (if you don’t know what that is, check out the Save the Cat! Writes a Novel), and a conclusion. If you have ever written a short story, you know that is impressive! In addition to these short stories that hit all the writing beats, they often hit all the right emotions. A good children’s book will hold both the parent and child’s attention from front to back (Though not always. As parents know, some days, you only get through two pages, and that is completely okay. If we adults are honest, it happens to us too) and lead them through an emotional experience for the whole family. Because children’s books are such a blast and can be enjoyed by both young and old, I thought it would be fun to include a children’s book of the month on my blog! At the beginning of each month, I will review and discuss a children’s book that you can share with others of all ages!
Children's Book of July!
To kick off the Children’s Book of the Month posts, I decided to discuss one of my personal favorites, Once Upon a Time, the End (asleep in 60 seconds). This book was actually one that I stumbled upon later in life, and my family thought it was so funny we just had to have it in the house. My nieces and nephews and many of my friends’ children love this book, and it is one I make sure to share every chance I get!
Book Information
Title: Once Upon a Time, the End (Asleep in 60 Seconds)
Author: Geoffrey Kloske
Illustrator: Barry Blitt
Theme: Bedtime
Plot: Tired, desperate dad. Not so tired, energetic child.
Page Count: 27 pages of story
My Review
Every parent has had nights when their kids just won’t go to sleep. If that has happened to you, you need this book! Its quick-paced story follows a dad desperate to get his child to bed. In his own need for sleep, the father begins shortening story time in hopes it will help speed things up. As to whether it works or not, well, you will just have to read the story.
Written by Geoffrey Kloske, with illustrations by Barry Blitt that add to the hilarity of the father’s storytelling prowess, this book is sure to keep both you and your child entertained. But with the spot-on desperation of the book’s leading father figure, you just might laugh as much, or more, than your child! In short, Once Upon a Time, the End (asleep in 60 seconds) tells an engaging and funny story accompanied by characters and art that offer a fantastic, not-so-exaggerated depiction of life with a child. The story progresses nicely and remains entertaining to the last page. As a storyteller, book lover, and auntie to many nieces and nephews, I give this book a five-star rating!
But don't just take it from me, let's hear some feedback from both parents and their little ones!
Family Reviews
Alyssa and Chandler
With a rating of four out of five stars, Alyssa said, “I loved the illustrations in this book! They express perfectly the feeling of trying to get your child to bed when they are “not tired”!”
Alyssa's daughter Chandler also liked this book. When asked how happy the book made her, very unhappy, unhappy, neutral, happy, or very happy, she chose "happy." As for her favorite part, Chandler liked, "The kid falling asleep on top of the dad!"
Kate and Josiah
With a rating of five out of five stars, Kate said, “I like the hidden jokes for parents who know the original stories much better, but it's still a fun one for the kids. My favorite short stories in the book are little red riding hood and sleeping beauty.”
Kate's son Josiah (age 3) also rated this book as making him feel “happy”. He told us about his favorite parts, saying. “I liked the first page. I liked the three bears.” Referring to the book's take on Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
Check out Once Upon a Time, the End (Asleep in 60 Seconds) and share your thoughts in the comments below!
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