The Bedtime Band

The Bedtime Band by Michelle Worthington, illustrated by Sandra Temple (Wombat Books)

HB RRP $19.95

ISBN 978-1-921633-57-7

Reviewed by Jacque Duffy

This book is suitable for pre-school aged children learning to read. The rhyme and rhythm of the words with the repetition of sounds will make ‘sounding out’ easier and enjoyable.  First impression of this book was that it would be perfect for bedtime reading too as is suggested in the title.

Michelle Worthington has captured night noises that most children in suburbia as well as the country should recognize from their own backyards. The other night time animal noises that they may not recognize will add (without frightening) to the excitement and adventure that will surely invade their dreams after this story.

The book is beautifully printed and bound; the hardcover opens fully assisting in reading to children while showing and discussing the illustrations. Sandra Temple the illustrator is an award winning artist with a love of conservation, this love of conservation shows through in her illustrations of the animals.  The layout of the book is easy to follow and Temple’s illustrations are beautiful with her coloured pencil over soft back ground colour. Although the colours in the illustrations are true to the strong Australian colours they remain soft and calming helping to make The Bedtime Band a marvelous book for peaceful bedtime reading.

  

Reading this book together before lights out will be an enjoyable experience for the parent and the child.

  

Jacque Duffy is the author and illustrator of the series ‘That’s not a …” learn to read books used in all Queensland State Primary Schools and one local history coffee table book.

www.jacquesartandbooks.com