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  • No More Naps!: A Story for When You're Wide-Awake and Definitely NOT Tired by Chris Grabenstein
  • Kate Quealy-Gainer, Assistant Editor

Grabenstein, Chris No More Naps!: A Story for When You're Wide-Awake and Definitely NOT Tired; illus. by Leo Espinosa. Random House, 2020 [34p] Library ed. ISBN 978-1-5247-7129-4 $20.99 Trade ed. ISBN 978-1-5247-7128-7 $17.99 E-book ed. ISBN 978-1-5247-7130-0 $10.99 Reviewed from galleys R 3-7 yrs

The nap struggle is real for Annalise Devin McFleece, and since her emphatic refusals to snooze are only getting louder, Dad pops her in the stroller for what he hopes will be a sleep-inducing walk. As they wind through the city, Annalise remains adamantly awake, but the folks they pass decide that they would like to take a nap ("If she won't take a nap, may I have it, please?"), and soon sidewalks, stores, and even cars (parked) are filled with contented dozers. The resulting quiet finally makes Annalise sleepy, but all the naps have been "taken" by other people, so what's a yawning gal supposed to do? Crisp white backgrounds, bold lines, and vibrant colors make this easy for group sharing, and the narrative's direct address ("Do you think SHE was taking a nap?") ensures audience engagement. The art exudes the vibe of an updated Little Golden Book and the city milieu is fully modern in its representation and inclusivity, while touches of visual humor will give close viewers a giggle. The linguistic twist on the phraseology of taking a nap might take a minute to click for youngsters, but they'll be helped along by the little kitty who "gives" one of its many naps to Annalise. The energetic narration has a bit too much enthusiasm to send kiddos off to dreamland, but nappers, former nappers, and their parents will certainly relate to the naptime struggle. [End Page 208]

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