The Napping House

Audrey Wood (1984), 30 pages

Illustrated by Don Wood

Audience: Babies, Toddlers

Format: book board

Follow the story of a sleeping household as they get a surprise wake-up call. Readers are slowly lured into a slumbering world of muted gray and rainy weather where “there is a house, a napping house, where everyone is sleeping.” As more characters climb aboard the bed, the morning light slowly fills the room until a “wakeful” flea disrupts the slumber party and the house bursts into bright sunshine and colorful pastels (a perfect opportunity to sing a verse of "You are my Sunshine"). Beautifully written and illustrated, the Woods, a husband and wife team have created a classic childrens' book. The cumulative storyline is catchy and fun; this type of repetition is ideal for young children who are just learning how to read. In addition, the Woods have created free printable templates at their website depicting each of the story's characters - a great activity for kids to enjoy after storytime.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: The Little House (Caldecott award) by Virginia Lee Burton or I Know a Place by Karen Ackerman

Other books by this author: The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear, Piggies, Silly Sally, and King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub (Caldecott award)