Following on from Slow Down with wholesome nature exploration at an even more relaxed bedtime pace, Slow Down… and Sleep Tight is the perfect modern lullaby.
The book begins with gorgeous flowing rhymes which make you want to snuggle up and embrace the evening. It then journeys through 7 spreads saying goodnight to creatures and nature of the day, and then through 4 of the night and dawn. Each spread explores a brief story with facts to absorb before leading you to the next.
From goodnight to bunny, bee and blackbirds to hello moon, fox and more, this gentle story encourages calm to your bedtime ritual.
The soft, whimsical illustrations tell much of the story. Traditional pencil lines and digital colour create a sense of light which shows evening, night and dawn in perfect unity with the text.
I adore the bonus end spread with mindful breathing suggestions and questions about the day to ponder or discuss.
Slow Down… and Sleep Tight would best suit reading time with a loved one before sleep. It would make a gorgeous gift, bound to be treasured and read time and time again. It also has a sturdy cover, flowing typography and gold foil.
Other books by Rachel Williams include Illuminature and Atlas of Animal Adventures. Freya Hartas has illustrated many books including The Dragon With A Chocolate Heart and Frankie Frog and the Throaty Croakers.
Title: Slow Down... and Sleep Tight
Author: Rachel Williams
Illustrator: Freya Hartas
Publisher: Walker Books Australia, $29.90
Publication Date: 1 September 2021
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781913520304
For ages: 3 – 5
Type: Picture Book