FICTION

Good Night, Little Man

by Daniel Bernstrom (text) & illus. by Heidi Woodward Sheffield
HarperCollins. May 2023. 40p. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9780063011144.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 2–Lyrical text tells the story of a little boy who cannot sleep without his sheep. His father is upset without knowing the reason for his son’s tantrum; once he finds out, he is remorseful and reflects on his own behavior. The breaks in the text accentuate the rhythm of the words, while the illustrations depict the emotions of the father and son as they sort through what is happening between them. This is a positive depiction not only of the bonds of father and son but also of a multigenerational Black family with roots that run deep.
VERDICT There are few books in which a parent makes mistakes and learns from them on reflection. This is a great story of the father and son bond to add to the shelves.
Reviewed by Ruth Guerrier-Pierre , Jun 01, 2023

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