In the Middle of the Night

An NCTE Notable Poetry Book

“When a little girl drifts off to sleep in her bed, all of her toys come alive to play. Matteson’s whimsical illustrations channel the playful tone of the author’s words. The artist utilizes brushstrokes and movement lines to emphasize the playful nature of each character while Salas explores emotions, reactions, and inner thoughts of seemingly everyday items. (H)ighly recommended for elementary libraries.” – School Library Journal

“The poems vary in form and…the feel overall is cheery and energetic. Matteson’s paintings…evoke the nighttime setting. Brighter shades and unusual perspectives match the liveliness of the text. Simply drawn faces on the objects convey emotions effectively, while stick-figure-style arms and legs…heighten the whimsical tone. Familiar objects, playful language, and imaginative action add up to a collection that will amuse young listeners and, perhaps, inspire them to undertake imaginative explorations of their own.” –Kirkus Reviews

“Toys and inanimate objects throughout a house come to life as a child slumbers…Matteson fills her scenes with a sense of whooshing movement and rambunctious energy, making for a fun nighttime outing.” —Publishers Weekly