View source for Teddy Bedtime by Georgie Birkett

{{infobox2
|title=Teddy Bedtime
|author=Georgie Birkett 
|reviewer=Sam Tyler
|genre=For Sharing
|rating=5
|buy=Yes
|borrow=Yes
|isbn=9781783440412
|pages=16
|publisher=Andersen
|date=May 2014
|aznuk=1783440414
|aznus=1783440414
|cover=1783440414
|website=http://www.georgiebirkett.com/
|video=
|summary=Yawn!  Time for bed everyone, but what do we do?  Follow Teddy and friends as they show you step by step of how to get ready for bed.  'Teddy Bedtime’ by Georgie Birkett is a brilliant sharing book that will entertain your child, whilst helping them to learn a bedtime routine.
}}
I haven’t much hands on experience with young children and bedtime, but from various alleys and avenues of my family I have a seen a few do and do nots.  One thing I have learnt is that routine can be a vital tool in getting a child to bed.  Whilst one set of Nephews come up to you and ask to go to bed at 7pm, the other are bouncing off the walls at 1am.  Children’s books can be a great way to entertain and teach younger children a bedtime routine and ''Teddy'' ''Bedtime'' by Georgie Birkett may just be the best example I have seen.

There is no story as such in ‘Teddy Bedtime’ it is instead a fly on the wall style book of Teddy and pals getting ready for bed.  This includes; washing your teeth, getting in your pyjamas, reading a book, lights out and all the other steps in between.  Like a piece of genius propaganda Birkett has shown you a way to read to your child, but also show them the steps to bedtime.  It is easy to assume that you can follow the example of the animals on show yourselves.

The idea of helping a child develop a bedtime routine is not new; you would be alarmed by how many books I have read on this theme.  Therefore, for ‘Teddy Bedtime’ to be a great example it has to be more than just the story.  The illustrations on offer are excellent.  Clear and bold, there is a wonderful use of colour that is very eye-catching.  There is also plenty on each page to look at; why not have a hunt around in the background to see what is going on?  I also liked the fact that Teddy had some stuffed animal friends who were not bear based; my sister for one had a stuffed elephant not unlike that seen in this book.

As well as being well drawn, the book is also well made.  It comes on sturdy card at a decent size and with rounded edges.  This means that it is perfectly suited to read with the audience it is aimed at; babies and young toddlers.  They will be able to grab the corners and dribble on the pages with little to no damage – a great bonus with a book that is likely to be read over and over again.

''Teddy Bedtime'' has a statement on the front saying it won an award for early learner reading and it is clear to see why.  In a market packed to the gills with books about bedtime it takes something as seemingly simple yet as eye-catching as this to standout.  A wonderful clear book that will help parents of small children to create a regular bedtime routine for their child.  ‘Teddy Bedtime’ may just hold the secret for a good night’s rest yourself.

Sammy Recomendation

If this book appeals then try [[How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? by Jane Yolen]] and [[Oliver Who Would Not Sleep by Mara Bergman and Nick Maland]].

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