'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Thursday 21 January 2016

Review: The Last Book Before Bedtime

The last book before bedtime is, of course, the most important book of the day. So it's vital that just the right book is selected. Tonight's story is going to be 'The Three Little Pigs' but, oh dear, the pigs don't seem to be cooperating.

Pig number 1 is in the middle of a game of soccer. Pig 2 wants to eat some cake first. Pig 3 is reading. Then, just when the pigs have finally got their act together, Cinderella appears. After all, who wants pigs as the last story before bedtime? It's princesses that everyone really wants to read about.

It's all starting to get a bit out of control until the pigs are persuaded to dress as Cinderella's evil stepmother and ugly stepsisters. On with the story! But, hold on, why have Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf suddenly appeared?

And on it goes in this marvellous hijacking of the traditional fairytale! Characters from other stories wander in and out, complain about not getting more attention, argue about what kind of story they should be telling, and generally turn this particular 'last book before bedtime' into the perfect way to end the day.

In fact, they end up doing such a good job, that maybe, just maybe, they'll have to do it all again in another story!

Nicola O'Byrne's gorgeous illustrations and very clever text combine brilliantly in this beautifully designed book. The result is a multi-layered adventure in storytelling that kids (and adults) will love.

Title: The Last Book Before Bedtime
Author/Illustrator: Nicola O'Byrne
Publisher: Nosy Crow, $27.99 RRP
Publication Date: January 2016
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780857634283
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book