The Perfect Pillow

by Eric Pinder, Chris Sheban (Illustrator)

Overview

In his strange new room on his big new bed, Brody tosses and turns, holding his stuffed dragon named Horst. His parents can't help him fall asleep, so he has no choice to go out and search for a better bed. Is it a squirrel's nest? A cloud? A rowboat on a pond? No, the moon is too bright, and the croaking frogs are too loud, so there's nothing for it but to go back home and jump into his big new bed, where a friendly dragon makes a perfect pillow.

Young readers will enjoy floating along with Brody and Horst in this friendly nocturnal adventure with all the makings of a bedtime classic.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781368013000
Publisher:	Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date:	02/04/2018
Sold by:	Hachette Digital, Inc.
Format:	eBook
File size:	39 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	3 - 5 Years

About the Author

Eric Pinder is the author of If All the Animals Came Inside and How to Share with a Bear, and other books for children, and he also has written several books about mountains and weather for adults. A lifelong interest in science and nature led Eric to work for seven years atop the snowy, windswept summit of Mount Washington, the "Home of the World's Worst Weather." His experiences there inspired his first picture book, Cat in the Clouds. Today, Eric teaches creative writing at the New Hampshire Institute of Art, and often visits schools and libraries to share stories about the writing life, books, and animals. He holds an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Visit him online at www.ericpinder.com.

Chris Sheban has illustrated numerous children's books, most recently What to Do with a Box by Jane Yolen, Job Wanted by Teresa Bateman, and Immortal Max by Lutricia Clifton. He's been awarded three Gold and three Silver medals from the Society of Illustrators in New York. Chris attended Kent State University in Ohio and now lives and works in Chicago. Learn more about him at www.chrissheban.com.

Editorial Reviews

12/04/2017
Brody can’t settle down in his “big new bed,” so he crawls out his window with his stuffed dragon, Horst, in search of someplace cozier. The sleeping spots they find are the stuff of dreams but are not suited for human children. A baby squirrel’s nest is too pokey, the clouds are too cold, and a rowboat is plagued with noisy frogs. Inevitably, Brody and Horst end up back in their own bed. Pinder (How to Build a Snow Bear) confidently wields an array of classic storytelling tools: noise words (“crick crack crunch”), insider details (“Horst waggled his wings, which is how dragons say yes”), and soothing litanies (“So he followed Horst around the pond, through the forest, under the clouds, and over a hill”). Sheban’s mixed-media spreads give the story its enchantment. Misty scenes in luminous, silvery shades breathe magic into Brody’s climb to the clouds and his flight back. It’s a story for kids who can’t go to bed without one last adventure. Ages 3–5. Author’s agent: Ammi-Joan Paquette, Erin Murphy Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary Studio. (Feb.)

Publishers Weekly

PRAISE FOR CATCHING THE MOON

"Sheban's stunningly luminous illustrations turn this contemporary tale into a shining winner."— Kirkus Reviews

PRAISE FOR WHAT TO DO WITH A BOX

"Intuitive, inspired executions of art."— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

From the Publisher

01/01/2018
PreS-Gr 1—A boy and his trusty dragon go in search of the perfect sleeping arrangements in this sweet bedtime story about finding comfort in an unfamiliar space. When Brody and his dragon Horst can't get settled in their new bed in their new room, they crawl out the window in search of somewhere else to sleep. Neither a squirrel's leaf bed, nor a cloud, owl's nest, nor a boat floating on a pond serve, and each one is ruled out. Brody follows Horst home to find that his own bed in his own (new) home is actually just right, when you've got your best friend at your side. The text is filled with evocative vocabulary (silky, bobbled, chattering) that sets the perfect quiet mood. Sheban's watercolor, pencil, and pastel illustrations seem to have been sent through a bluish-green filter, creating a soft nighttime glow. Readers will be left with a warm, cozy feeling and will be ready for sleep after sharing this story. VERDICT A gorgeous addition to bedtime stories and library collections everywhere.—Mary Kuehner, Arapahoe Library District, CO

School Library Journal

2017-11-13
In the illusory space between wakefulness and dreams, Brody copes with universal childhood struggles—adjusting to a new space and learning to provide self-comfort. Brody is having a difficult time falling asleep in his new room. He sneaks into his parents' room, but they send him back to bed. In search of the perfect place to rest his head, Brody wanders out the window with his stuffed dragon, Horst. Away from the gazes of grown-up eyes, Horst silently comes to life, and they have a sleepy, whimsical adventure. Brody tries mimicking the squirrels, but the leaves are too crunchy. He drifts up to a cloud, but the roaring wind is too cold. He floats down to an owl's nest, but it is too crowded. After a few more unsuccessful attempts, he lets Horst lead the way. Horst walks Brody back home, where he snuggles up to his stuffed dragon companion, who is truly the perfect pillow in the end. Both the text and the illustrations exude gentleness, creating a very delicate exploration of the sleep challenges and fears that children can experience. The darkness is soft. Brody's pale skin glimmers under the moonlight, and the characters' faces subtly emote their sleepiness. A tender bedtime odyssey. (Picture book. 3-7)

Kirkus Reviews