Title: The Big Bed
Author: Bunmi Laditan
Illustrator: Tom Kinght
Publisher: Farrar Strauss Giroux, 2018
Ages: 4-7
Themes: bed sharing with parents, humor, toddleresque logic, sharing mommy
Opening:
We need to talk about the big bed.
Synopsis:
The Big Bed is a humorous picture book about a girl who doesn’t want to sleep in her little bed alone. She presents her dad with some well thought-through reasons why this time and space with Mommy belongs to her not him. She comes up with a hilarious solution for Dad? A camping cot! A twist on the classic parental struggle of not letting kids sleep in their bed.
Why I like this book:
Really this is as much about her not wanting to share Mom as the bed, but hey, bedtime is a big deal in a toddler’s day. The little girl’s arguments are logical, thorough and presented with a lawyer’s eye for detail! For example, doesn’t Dad indeed have his own Mom for cuddles? And if dad were hoping to mention the pee pee issue in his defense, he should think again, as she has scientific proof of the benefit’s of a little bed-wetting. The humor is definitely aimed at adults, and this toddler has the argumentative maturity of a teen, but I am pretty sure older kids will find this amusing too, and her voice is so sassy!
I nearly missed the real intro, which is on the jacket flap:
Mommy we have to talk.
I see that look in your eyes and I know what you’re going to say.
Just hear me out.
The bed isn’t big enough for the three of us.
I think we both know what that means:
Daddy has to go.
The illustrations are as bright and audacious as the little girl, and her facial expressions are priceless.
Activities/resources:
Draw your ideal sleeping scenario!
Each week a group of bloggers reviews picture books we feel would make great educational reads. To help teachers, caregivers and parents, we have included resources and/or activities with each of our reviews. A complete list of the thousands of books we have reviewed can be found sorted alphabetically and by topics, here on Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
LOVE the humor in this one! Thanks for sharing!
I love this book. I’ve read it several times just to appreciate its voice and humor. It’s one of those that gets high marks on the re-reading list!
What a fabulous cover! It says it all! I never had that problem with our daughter. But, I have to send this book to my niece who has a three-year-old. Love the humor!
Oh I just love the humour in this story. The girl is so cute and has her argument down pat. Love the cover. Priceless!
Oh my gosh – I think I love the voice of this character!
This is adorable. As you said it isn’t always the bed (but Mom) that they don’t want to share. What a great book. I have to go find this one. Thanks!