"This is an enchanting little story, with homey illustrations that add to its appeal. It will be particularly reassuring to read aloud on those dark and stormy nights." — School Library Journal (starred review)"It was a dark and stormy night on Plum Street. In the little white house, Mrs. Bear was putting Sam to bed."
Outside, the wind blows and the rain comes down. Inside, it is Sam's bedtime. Mrs. Bear reads him a story, tucks him in, and brings him warm milk. "Are you ready now, Sam?" she asks. "I'm waiting," he says. What else does Sam need before going to sleep? Could Mrs. Bear have forgotten a kiss?
On sale: October 10, 2006
Age: 2-5 years
Grade: Up to Kindergarten
Page count: 32 Pages
ISBN: 9780763621148
Amy Hest is the author of many books, including WHEN JESSIE CAME ACROSS THE SEA, winner of the Christopher Medal and illustrated by P. J. Lynch, and IN THE RAIN WITH BABY DUCK, winner of the BOSTON GLOBE - HORN BOOK Award and illustrated by Jill Barton. She says that she was inspired by her own son, Sam. "When Sam was small he knew countless ways to keep me in his room at bedtime," she remembers.
Anita Jeram is the illustrator of the best-selling GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU by Sam McBratney. She is also the author-illustrator of BUNNY, MY HONEY and ALL TOGETHER NOW. About KISS GOOD NIGHT, she says it reminds her of when "the children and I are comfortable and safe, tucked up snug in bed, listening to the rain outside the window and everything around seems to glow with the warmth."
This title...captures universal experience with humor, warmth, and authenticity..and the simple, repetitive text winds down at just the right pace for a sleepy audience.
—Booklist
The palette of colors is a strong part of the reassuring feeling here...Mother Bear and Sam play out the conventional dance of ritualized bedtime ballets, and her patient largeness as she bends to deliver yet another kiss is a dream of parental love.
—Chicago Tribune
With understated repetition and lyricism, Hest establishes the coziness of the nighttime interplay as well as the menacing sounds of the storm from inside Sam's bedroom...The hulking Mrs. Bear is a literal bulwark of maternal devotion, while Sam's roly-poly poses comically communicate his coy devotion.
—Publishers Weekly
This is an enchanting little story, with homey illustrations that add to its appeal. It will be particularly reassuring to read aloud on those dark and stormy nights.
—School Library Journal, starred review
