Jake Stays Awake

I am stingy about giving out 5 stars. This book, however, is delightful and deserves all 5. It is easy to read -- not forced like some rhyming books. It tells a fun story in just the right amount of pages for a young attention span. The illustrations of various absurd sleeping arrangements (kitchen, bathroom, roof, etc) set off giggles in my 5-year-old son. I must admit that I could really relate to the eye-rolling looks on the parents' faces. It is also sweet with a touch of sassy. For instance, the parents say "We love you , dear Jake, but we can't even doze. How can we sleep with your toes up our nose?" This is of course accompanied by a picture of a contentedly sleeping boy with one foot on each parent's face. This is one book I don't mind being asked to read again and again!

My son loves to have me read this book to him. The premise is one he can relate to at 5 - Jake wants to sleep with his parents instead of in his room. His parents agree with his request as long as they sleep somewhere other than their bed. Jake decides to try the roof, the kitchen, the car and even the garbage cans! The rhyming story is really funny and the illustrations are hilarious. And, my son has a good friend named Jake, which makes it even better! This book has become his bedtime favorite. He took it to school and his kindergarten class laughed and laughed as they heard the story and saw the illustrations.

Wow! If you've been bored reading the same old stories to your kids every night, try this one. It's beautifully illustrated, funny, well-written and most importantly, something that kids will love and you'll enjoy reading. Don't miss all the special comic details added to the illustrations just for us. The story is something we've all dealt with at one time or another and the solution is quirky and unique. Can't wait for Michael Wright's next book.

What an original idea for a children's book---a humorous look at getting your child to sleep alone. My favorite part is the illustrations--this guy must have worked on them for a long time, as they contain subtle layers of humor that adults will enjoy too. Great use of primary colors, and an engaging Suess-like approach to the text. A great gift book for the young readers in your family, think I'm going to buy another one for a Christmas gift.

With just the right mix of adult- and kid-friendliness, this book addresses the common "issue" of the family bed with sweetness and a whole lot of humor. The illustrations are fantastic, the colors bold and inviting. The verse is just right for a little one's sense of humor and there are amusing details in the pictures for observant eyes to discover. This is the first book by this author/illustrator, but my bet is that Michael Wright will hit the big time soon.