Oh, Are You Awake?

Praise

This contentious going-to-sleep sequence between two appealing characters has all the right ingredients for sharing aloud, whether it is time for bed or simply time for a story.
—The Horn Book

Jarvis (Together with You) riffs on impeccable comic beats from Shea (Chez Bob) using naif-style digital artwork whose elements feel handmade—Lion’s circular mane embodies crayon-like textures, while Penguin is rendered in what looks like feathered ink. It’s a funny, visually playful bedtime battle of wills in which both beings get the resolution of their dreams.
—Publishers Weekly

The pals’ back and forth will be recognizable to any kid/caregiver duo who’ve wrestled with bedtime routines, though this picture book eschews the adult role’s strict bossiness for sweet silliness, making it clear that Penguin has just as much a penchant for fun as Lion—just not before sleeping. Digital illustrations have an inviting, childlike style. . . A candy-colored palette cleverly references Penguin’s desire for “sweet” dreams, and the smudges and dapples evoke an ethereal feel, in contrast to the more solid and saturated tones of Penguin and Lion’s reality. . . this is prime material for readers’ theatre, especially if one can find a few props for the dream sequences.
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

In this tale from two veteran picture-book creators, a wide-awake lion demanding bedtime stories from a sleepy penguin takes center stage. . . the funny alternating dialogue (Penguin’s in black, Lion’s in blue) and soft digital illustrations sure to spur young listeners’ imaginations make for an entertaining bedtime romp. . . Enticement into dreamland for children requesting just one more bedtime story.
—Kirkus Reviews