Bedtime!

Mabel and the Queen of Dreams

By Henry Herz

Grade Level: Preschool - 1

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Schiffer; 1 edition (August 28, 2016)
http://www.schifferbooks.com/mabel-and-the-queen-of-dreams-6046.html

ISBN-10: 0764351370

ISBN-13: 978-0764351372

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Little Mabel is an expert at not going to sleep. She knows all the best bedtime-avoiding excuses. "I'm thirsty." "I need to use the bathroom." "Will you tell me a story?" Luckily, Mom's quiver of bedtime tales includes the story of the Fae Queen, who paints children's dreams and can only visit when their eyes are closed. Inspired by Mercutio's soliloquy in Romeo & Juliet, in which he details how the tiny fairy queen influences people's dreams as she passes by in her flying chariot, the soothing story evokes images of an ant in a worn gray coat and a hazelnut-shell chariot with a roof of grasshopper wings. Told in lyrical language that adults will also appreciate, the story helps parents get their kids to sleep. For ages 0-6.

 

My Thoughts:

Sweet and fanciful illustrations tell the story of how the Queen of the Fae helps children go to sleep. Mabel’s ploys to avoid sleep will resonate with parents, and her mother’s soothing tale of the Faery Queen helps Mable to calm down and fall asleep. This Queen is much more gentle than the Queen Mab of Mercutio’s soliloquy in Romeo and Juliet, but I appreciate the nod to Shakepeare in the author’s note.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

Mabel says she has to pee. Fairies.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

Children who don’t like to go to sleep.

 

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.