I Am Not Sleepy and I Will Not Go to Bed

Bibliography
Child, Lauren. 2001. I Am Not Sleepy And I will Not Go To Bed. Massachusetts: Candlewick Press. ISBN: 9780763615703

Plot Summary
Big brother, Charlie, has to put Lola to bed, which according to him is one of the hardest things his parents ask him to do sometime. Lola has crazy imaginations and finds excuses not to go to bed. First she sees tigers at the table waiting for their bedtime drink, then she sees a lion brushing his teeth, then she imagines a whale in the bathtub, she wants Charlie to talk to the two dogs, and finally she sees a hippopotamus in Charlie’s bed. Will she ever go to bed?

Critical Analysis
Lauren Child has written and illustrated a perfect bed time story. Children are sure to giggle as they read this book as they read the funny sequences between Charlie and Lola. The title is in bold letters and words like “NOT Sleepy” “Not…Bed” are even larger highlighting the strong and stubborn tone in Lola’s voice. The illustrations are very eye catching with a mixture of pencil drawing, crayon coloring, and real pictures. The large sized pictures enhance the story’s plot. The characters of imaginative, curios, stubborn, and playful Lola and a patient brother have been drawn and told very well.

Review Excerpts
Booklist – Young ones will enjoy this exuberant, hilarious spin on the bedtime story
(Gillian Engberg, 08/01/2001).

Kirkus Reviews – Charlie and Lola’s expressive body language and facial features will be easily recognized by all. An inventive, entertaining bedtime tale. (08/01/2001).