I have been a bloggy fan of Zanni Louise‘s for a very long time. I met her late last year, and it was wonderful to chat words, blogs and children in the Queensland sun.
I was delighted when she sent me an advance copy of her debut children’s book, Too Busy Sleeping. Here are my thoughts. And those of my children.
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Too Busy Sleeping / Zanni Louise and Anna Pignataro
(Little Hare Books, 2015)
Eleanor longs to play with her baby brother, but newborn Reuben is always asleep. Will Eleanor wear out with waiting?
This book is marvellous. Pignataro’s illustrations are always beautiful, and they match the tale that Louise tells perfectly.
There are many books for children on what to expect when a new sibling comes home. But many (most) of them focus on the negatives. They prepare the elder children for receiving less attention, having to share their toys and dealing with tired, grumpy parents.
Too Busy Sleeping is about the positive. Eleanor wants nothing more than to play with her brother. There is a moment of frustration when she can’t – again – because he’s too busy sleeping – again. But throughout the entire book, she experiences nothing but love for the new presence in her life.
When my son (now two) was born, the experience for my daughter (now five) was similarly positive. She got fed up occasionally, but for the most part was just happy to have a new person in the house on whom she could dote. (She still wants four more sisters and four more brothers, so clearly her brother’s arrival wasn’t too traumatic!)
My kids adore Too Busy Sleeping, and instantly identified with the characters. When Eleanor plays with an awake Reuben, my daughter turns to her brother and starts playing with his fingers and toes.
Highly recommended for families expecting a new arrival, or who remember welcoming one home fondly. You can buy Too Busy Sleeping from Booktopia here.
Have you read Too Busy Sleeping? What did you think?
(NB: I receive a copy of Too Busy Sleeping for the purposes of review. I have not been paid for this post. Thank you for sharing your book with me, Zanni, and congratulations!)
* The links in this post are affiliate links. If you click to purchase the item, I earn a little commission, but you don’t pay any extra.
This book looks just gorgeous. It would make an awesome gift from the new baby to their siblings. Well done, Zanni!
Yay for Zanni! Yes, definitely a great present from a new bub.
A lovely book by a gorgeous soul.
Yes and yes.
This sounds like a gorgeous book – a lovely take on the new sibling experience.
It is so nice to read a book that’s about early sibling love!
Sounds like a great book!
Definitely is!
What a gorgeous book and one that is so simple but so true. Thanks for sharing Em… #FYBF
You’re welcome! Thanks for commenting.
I love the book too and am reviewing it on the blog soon. Bub loves the illustrations.
The illustrations are just beautiful. Looking forward to seeing your review.
Thanks Emily for such a great review x Anna
Pleasure, Anna. I’ve always loved your illustrations. As I mentioned at the launch, Together is still a family favourite. x
It’s so wonderful that this was published. I can’t wait to check it out.
So wonderful! Can’t wait for the next one!
Thank you Em for a gorgeous review! I am very touched xx
Pleasure! It’s a wonderful book. Thank you for sharing it with me, and congrats on the new deal! x
I look forward to reading a copy as I think it would be very applicable for our household right now. I’m hoping to get to the book launch in Melbourne next weekend. You going?
I am indeed! See you there! (If you get there x)
What a gorgeous book for a new sister or brother. You can see Zanni has put all her heart into it.
Lovely review, Em x
Thanks Lisa. Yes, a perfect book for that new bub experience.
It’s so exciting to see Zanni’s book doing so well when she’s worked so hard! Lovely review Em.
Thanks Allison! Yes, it’s good to know that hard work, persistence and talent pays off. x
So happy for Zanni. And I think this would be prefect for my little nephew expecting a baby sibling in a couple of months.
It certainly would be! Highly recommended.
I am so proud of Zanni. SO proud xx
She’s a clever clogs!
Congrats, Zanni! I can’t wait to read it! It’s so Zanni’s style to make something that’s usually portrayed as something negative into something positive.
Isn’t it? It’s always so happy and inviting at Zanni’s sunshiney bloggy home!