The Art of How Dogs Sleep

PreS-Gr 2–Kim’s charming debut invites young readers to observe the sleep rituals of canine companions. The text chronicles each step in a dog’s preparations for slumber: finding the perfect spot (hard, squishy, or somewhere in-between), adjusting temperature and light conditions, and settling into a preferred position, from “the Donut” to “the Potato” to “the Dead Bug.” As the narrative progresses, the language shifts into a calming meditation, with gentle instructions for deep breathing and stretching that double as a bedtime routine for young listeners. The illustrations, rendered in wax pastels, soft pastels, colored pencils, and gouache radiate warmth and endearing texture. The dogs—a diverse array of breeds, sizes, and abilities—are depicted with expressive ­faces and improbable (yet familiar) ­sleeping positions that will resonate with dog lovers. Spreads transition from sun-drenched ­yellows and greens to deep purples and blues as sleepy time ­approaches, reinforcing the soothing, ­soporific mood. The hand-drawn quality feels refreshingly tactile in an increasingly digital landscape of picture books. Readers will delight in the playful details—­chalkboard “studies” of sleepy dogs, ­squishiness ratings, dream ­sequences that glow like constellations—while also feeling lulled by the book’s gentle pacing and inviting layouts.