Naptastrophe!

March 27, 2017
Naptime is so unnecessary. And unfair. Lucy, a small rabbit, “ herself in her room. With the lights off. During the daytime.” Her cry of “I’m not tired!” goes unanswered, and she sticks to that story during a trip to the store with Daddy after she is finally liberated from the jail formed by the safety rails on her bed. But as all parents know, something has to give: Lucy has a meltdown in the checkout line (an event that actually resembles a nuclear blast), then conks out at the dinner table, her head plopping into her mac ’n’ cheese. Despite Lucy’s sleep-deprived implosion, Krosoczka (It’s Tough to Lose Your Balloon) may not win over many converts to the joys of napping: like Lucy, more readers probably see naptime as a cross between solitary confinement and FOMO (“Her toys probably missed her. But what if they didn’t?”). But his empathy for his stubborn heroine is never in doubt, and readers will sense that even when Lucy suffers the consequences, she gave it her all. Ages 3–7. Agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House.

March 1, 2017
A little bunny proves she doesn't always know best when it comes to naptime.Lucy refuses to nap during the day. Why would she? It's light outside, and she's missing time to play with her toys. In fact, they just might be having a dance party without her. She staunchly declares, "I'm not tired!" After remaining awake through naptime, she and her dad take a trip to the grocery store. At every turn (even on a banana phone in the produce aisle) Lucy never misses a chance to remind her dad, "Not tired." But her face and actions testify otherwise. Poor Lucy fights yawns and drooping lids while struggling to stay alert. In the checkout line, when her request for candy is denied, she can't take it anymore. Fists clench, knees shake, and rage radiates--it's a naptastrophe! Krosoczka's reds, oranges, and yellows pulsate with the heat of the tantrum. Her daddy, with Lucy's foot in his face as he scoops her up in an effort to leave as quickly as possible, is a picture of pure parental resignation--and Lucy's faceplant in her mac and cheese at dinnertime will elicit chuckles. For all its artfulness, however, it's still a pretty familiar tale. The only truly distinctive twist on this oft-told tale is the title, but humorously naming a meltdown just may make it palatable enough (for parent and child alike). (Picture book. 2-5)

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March 1, 2017

PreS-K-No one believes Lucy when she says she is NOT TIRED. She does not need a nap. She has toys to play with and things to do. It is just not fair. Adults don't listen. Finally, Lucy's father takes her to the grocery store with him. She reminds him several times that she is NOT TIRED, as she clumsily knocks over store displays, bumps other shoppers, and demands candy. Finally, Lucy explodes into a "naptastrophe." She flaps her arms, hollers, and lies on the floor. It is time to leave. By the time Lucy and her father reach home, Lucy falls asleep at the dinner table, and her father carries her upstairs for a much-needed rest. This is a funny story with no surprises. Parents and children will recognize themselves and their own frustrations. The illustrations are large, colorful, and humorous, with the characters portrayed by bunnies. Pictures express Lucy's exasperation with her father and his decisions through adept facial expressions. The text is simple, but the size and boldness of the fonts add more emotion. VERDICT A delightful tale that would work in a storytime but might be best shared one-on-one if the subject hits too close to home.-Mary Hazelton, formerly at Warren & Waldoboro Elementary Schools, ME

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