Down the Sleepy River: A Mindful Bedtime Book by Carmen Saldaña, Emma Drage
ISBN: 1536234974
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

This beautifully illustrated bedtime book follows a journey down a jungle river, using gentle language to encourage very young children to fall asleep. The book includes an introduction for adults discussing the importance of mindfulness for children and giving suggestions for how to read the book with your child. While the repetitive text is very similar to many other books in the “time for bed” genre, Carmen Salaña’s illustrations set this book apart. The colors are rich and vibrant and the jungle theme is clear throughout. As the reader travels down the river each African animal they visit is beautifully illustrated and paired with a breathing activity. The breathing activities are repetitive, however some families and children may find this soothing. This book would be a good choice for children ages pre-k and under or for children who are particularly interested in African animals.

Reviewed by Rebecca Duquette – Pittston Randolph Consolidated School