By Samantha Bradley
My husband and I are always buying new books for our 11-month-old son, Marcelino. We enjoy reading to him and spending quality time together as a family. I recently stumbled upon the book “Go Sleep In Your Own Bed!” and the whole family really enjoyed it! I interviewed author Candace Fleming to learn more about the book.
What is “Go Sleep In Your Own Bed!” about?
It is really about some farm animals. It starts with a pig who wants to go to bed at the end of the day in his pigsty and finds a cow sleeping in his bed. He tells the cow to go sleep in his own bed and then he does. But then, when he gets to his stall he finds a chicken in his bed and he tells the chicken to go sleep in his own bed; it starts a series of animals pushing each other out of their beds and back into their own beds.
What is most important to you when writing a children’s book?
My goal is to have the book be engaging and entertaining, especially if I am writing a picture book like “Go Sleep In Your Own Bed!” I want to delight my readers and for them to giggle and enjoy the musicality and language in my book.
What age range is your book best suited for?
I would say preschool ages up to 7 years old.
What are three messages children can learn from your book?
- There is a lot about language that be learned and interesting ways the language is used.
- It is OK to have your own space.
- It is OK to share your space with the people you love and let them in.
What are three reasons why children love your book?
- They see their grumpy, less-than-perfect selves at bedtime in the animals.
- They find the animals lovable because they are cute and crabby at the same time.
- They find the ending really satisfying because it is a sweet, quiet ending.
Where can your book be purchased?
It can be purchased at any bookstore or online at Amazon.com.
If you are interested in learning more about Candace Fleming’s latest book “Go Sleep In Your Own Bed!” or any of her upcoming books, visit Candacefleming.com.