Down the Sleepy River: A Mindful Bedtime Book

by Emma Drage, Carmen Saldaña (Illustrator)

Overview

A calming picture book filled with mindfulness techniques perfect for bedtime.

As you float along the sleepy river, say good night to the animals who are mindfully getting ready for bed. The soothing text helps little ones settle down for a good night’s sleep by copying the rhino, the lion, and other sleepy animals as they take deep breaths to calm the body and the mind in preparation for bedtime.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781536234978
Publisher:	Candlewick Press
Publication date:	07/16/2024
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	10.25(w) x 10.13(h) x 0.42(d)
Age Range:	2 - 5 Years

About the Author

Emma Drage is an editor and writer. Before working in children’s publishing, she taught English in a Hong Kong secondary school and still works with children as a writing mentor. She has also completed courses in mindfulness and has a regular meditation practice. Emma Drage lives and works in London.

Carmen Saldaña worked as a graphic designer for many years before becoming a children’s book illustrator. She lives in Gijon, a rainy little city in the north of Spain.

Editorial Reviews

2024-05-04
A sweet tale to help adults gently ferry children toward peaceful slumber by using mindfulness techniques.

As sleepy youngsters glide through the natural world, they’re invited to say good night to drowsy elephants, giraffes, turtles, and other creatures; occasionally, the animals are depicted nodding off with companions or progeny. Kids are encouraged to employ various relaxation methods and take deep in-out breaths. By performing these activities, they’ll hopefully become one with their surroundings and achieve a state of mindful peace. Drage urges readers to “let the day go,” “think positive thoughts,” “let the relaxing feeling flow through your body,” and “relax in your bed.” The final page asks youngsters to “gently close your eyes” and fall asleep with a majestic smiling whale and its child. This lovely book is expressed in soothing prose that sets an appropriately tranquil bedtime mood; the sights of the delightful sleepy animals throughout are very comforting. The gorgeous hues of the digitally colored pencil and watercolor illustrations burst from the pages. Additionally, little ones will learn a thing or two about the animals’ habitats and preferred sleeping habits.

An appealing, relaxing, and peaceful journey guaranteed to bring a restful night’s sleep. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews