Just Like Tonight by Amber Stewart and Layn Marlow
| Just Like Tonight by Amber Stewart and Layn Marlow | |
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| Category: For Sharing | |
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Reviewer: Keith Dudhnath
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| Summary: Button the bear feels a bit scared before bedtime, so his father tells him the story of when he was born. A sweet tale that strikes all the right notes. | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 32 | Date: May 2009 |
| Publisher: OUP Oxford | |
| ISBN: 978-0192728494 | |
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Button the bear has had a lovely day and now it's time for bed. He reminisces about all the great things he did that day, but then remembers a big tree he saw that looked like a scary bear. Thankfully, Daddy knows that nice thoughts will push the bad thoughts away, so he tells Button all about the day he was born.
Even the bitterest cynic will raise a smile as Button hears about how he's touched his family's life. Much like Button, the reader soon forgets what was so frightening as they get caught up comparing the Button's wonderful birthday with the day he's just had. Just Like Tonight is as sweet as a picture book can be without being saccharine. It would be very easy for it to veer into cheesiness, but it hits every note perfectly.
Layn Marlow's illustrations are equally as sweet as the story. The bear family are as charming as bears ever are in picture books, but the real joy is the small creatures like bees, frogs and butterflies dotted around the beautiful scenery. They add to the mood of two glorious days and make Just Like Tonight a book to re-read and savour.
Despite the father/son dynamic of the story, its sedate pace makes it perfect for grandparents to give as a present and/or read. It's also great for a relaxing and love-filled read just before bedtime. Recommended.
My thanks to the publishers for sending it to Bookbag.
One More Hug For Nutmeg by Caroline Jayne Church also deals with the issue of not quite being ready for bed. Bella and Monty: A Hairy, Scary Night by Alex T Smith does too, but with a quirkier twist.
Just Like Tonight by Amber Stewart and Layn Marlow is in the Top Ten Picture Books For Overcoming Bedtime Woes.
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You can read more book reviews or buy Just Like Tonight by Amber Stewart and Layn Marlow at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy Just Like Tonight by Amber Stewart and Layn Marlow at Amazon.com.
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