Please Don’t Wake the Animals

A Book About Sleep
by Mary Batten
Illustrated by Higgins Bond
All people sleep. So do all other mammals. Birds sleep, too. Even snakes, fish, and insects have a way of sleeping. How different animals sleep on land, in water, and in the air is the subject of this fascinating book for young readers.
Price: $16.95
  • ISBN: 9781561453931
  • Publication date: 03/01/2008
  • Page Count: 32
  • Size: 10-3/4" x 9-3/4"
  • Age Range: 4-8

Description

All people sleep. So do all other mammals. Birds sleep, too. Even snakes, fish, and insects have a way of sleeping. How different animals sleep on land, in water, and in the air is the subject of this fascinating book for young readers.

Using accessible language and scientifically accurate terms, author Mary Batten shows how animals sleep in very different ways and for various lengths of time depending on their size, their physiology, and their habitat. From three-toed sloths hanging from tree branches, to dolphins dozing near the ocean’s surface, Batten presents a rich variety of wildlife and animal behavior.

Higgins Bond’s vivid, realistic wildlife illustrations feature animals in their natural environments and enhance the text. Additional information about the featured animals as well as simple explanations of terms such as hibernation and torpor are included in sidebars throughout the book.

Author/Illustrator

Mary Batten

Author

Mary Batten, an award-winning writer for television, film and publishing, was nominated for an Emmy for her work on the Children’s Television Workshop’s science series 3-2-1 Contact and has written more than fifty nature documentaries for television, including the syndicated series Wild Wild World of Animals. She is the author of numerous picture books, including Aliens from Earth, Please Don’t Wake the Animals, and Hey, Daddy! In preparation for writing Life in a Frozen World, she consulted with several scientists who specialize in the study of Antarctica, its wildlife, and the effects of climate change on this unique continent.

Higgins Bond

Illustrator

Higgins Bond received a BFA from the Memphis College of Art and has illustrated many books for children. She lives in Tennessee.

Reviews

“This gentle story describes where, when, how often and how long different animals sleep. Realistic paintings of particular species at rest fill three-quarters of each double-page spread…Both bedtime book and informational text, this appealing title ends with a short list of books and websites for further research.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“This is definitely one selection readers can cozy up with.” ―Library Media Connection

“The book contains interesting and relevant facts about animals…colorful illustrations of animals in their habitats will enthrall young readers…highly recommended.” ―Science Books & Films

“Cozy, moon-glowing illustrations illuminate the pages of this restful, informative picture book-a smart choice for bedtime reading.” ―Lodi News Central

“A beautifully illustrated book” ―New York State Reading Association Blog

“Informative, inviting narrative alongside detailed paintings” ―The Virginian-Pilot

“A simple science title not only answers basic questions about when animals sleep, where they sleep, and how long they sleep, but also provides fascinating glimpses into some unusual ways of sleeping.” ―Books for Growing Minds

“In this interesting picture book, young readers will learn about a variety of sleeping strategies that animals adopt…Full of fascinating facts about all kinds of creatures, and with incredibly detailed illustrations throughout, this picture book is a must for children who like to learn about animals.” ―Through the Looking Glass

“This playful story provides a fascinating glimpse into the unique ways different animals sleep.” ―Your Big Backyard

Awards

Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2009

Society of School Librarians International Book Awards (Honor Book, Science K-6) ―Society of School Librarians International, 2008

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Primary) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2009

Emphasis on Reading Program (Nominee, Grades 2-3) ―Alabama Department of Education, 2009-2010

More Details

AR Level: 4.9
F&P: GRL P, Gr 3, Genre I
Themes: Sleep Patterns in Animals
BISAC 1: JNF003000 JUVENILE NONFICTION / Animals /General
BISAC 2: JNF003320 JUVENILE NONFICTION / Animals / Nocturnal
BISAC 3: JNF051150 JUVENILE NONFICTION / Science & Nature / Zoology