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Time for Bed's Story

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In this engaging, laugh-out-loud funny picture book, a child's bed tells it like it is.

Bed has something to say.
Bed knows you do not like bedtime.
And Bed gets it. But look ...
YOU are not so great, either ...

Bed is fed up. Bed's patience is wearing thin. For years, Bed has put up with the kicking at night, the jumping during the day, not to mention the storing of all manner of stinky items. But enough is enough. Now it's time to consider Bed's feelings ...

In a story that's never been told before, Monica Arnaldo's hilarious picture book explores the point of view of an unusual narrator: a child's bed. Irreverent and full of personality, Arnaldo's Bed is also full of love and compassion, making for a relatable and, ultimately, endearing story. This playful and highly original book offers a lighthearted way to approach discussions on communication, perspective and viewpoint. It can be used to promote critical thinking in young children and an understanding that there are at least two sides to every story. It also contains character education lessons on compassion, respect and empathy.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2020

3 people are currently reading
183 people want to read

About the author

Monica Arnaldo

24 books22 followers
Monica Arnaldo grew up in Ottawa, Ontario, where she was sometimes allowed inside her older brother's forts. Drawn to illustration by her passion for children's books, she combines a variety of media to create images full of character. She and her husband live in Montreal, Quebec, with their daughter, Beatrice.

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5 stars
121 (29%)
4 stars
165 (40%)
3 stars
97 (23%)
2 stars
17 (4%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
Profile Image for Reading_ Tamishly.
5,301 reviews3,473 followers
October 20, 2020
Omg!!!
This is so cute!
So real!
So amazing!
I would love to read this little storybook about what our beds say to us again and again!

This has so cleverly done with amazing illustrations and simple lines. Nothing is overdone or underdone. It's just the right balance I would say.

Loved it.

Thanks #NetGalley for the ARC.
Profile Image for Rachel.
1,454 reviews153 followers
May 4, 2020
*thank you to Netgalley, Monica Arnaldo and Kids Can Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*


4 stars.

My favourite part of this book as the illustrations. I absolutely loved them. I feel like they have this 80s-90s feel to them. So that right away is what grabbed my attention when I saw the cover. So most of my star rating is for the illustrations.

The story itself is original which I appreciated. It made me smile too. This is one I would read to a younger child.
Profile Image for La Coccinelle.
2,259 reviews3,568 followers
May 7, 2020
This is a strange (yet surprisingly entertaining) picture book, told in the second-person point of view by a bed (yes, a bed) that refers to itself in the third person.

Have you ever wondered what your bed thought of you? Maybe it doesn't like being kicked or drooled on. Maybe it takes it really personally when you say you don't want to go to bed. Maybe... that bed is just waiting for an opportunity to tell you just how it feels.

The story isn't really a story so much as a gimmick, but it's kind of cute, and it works. The illustrations are what sell the book, though. They're colourful, engaging, and portray the feelings of the annoyed bed quite well.

This might make a good bedtime read. I'd also recommend it to readers who enjoy quirky books about anthropomorphized objects.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing a digital ARC.
Profile Image for Briar's Reviews.
2,314 reviews578 followers
May 11, 2020
Bed wants a story read to him in this sweet, little children's book.

A child's bed is personified in this tale and let's his owner know all of his thoughts! Bed feels left out and sad because nobody likes going to bed! He talks back to the kid and let's him know his real feelings.

This is quite the comedy book. It's amusing if you read it in just the right tone. I appreciated it as an adult and I can easily see children giggling along to this story.

I did wish the ending had a bit more... umph. It felt lacking. There was no big funny ending or lesson learned. It just felt like a goofy gimmick. I still think kids will love it for it's comedy, but it fell a little flat for me.

The art style is funky, bright and colourful. It fits the sassiness of this fun story very well!

Two out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
Profile Image for Natalie  all_books_great_and_small .
3,140 reviews167 followers
May 12, 2020
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

I loved this unique book about a book telling the kid who sleeps in him about why he doesn't enjoy bedtime so much and plenty of other times too. Bed has a great nose about these times which are very comical and then looks happy and content at the end, almost like he feels good for getting it all off his chest and still loves the boy.
This is a great unique book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I will be reading it to my little one tomorrow night as I'm sure she will love it.
Profile Image for Shauna Morrison.
2,305 reviews5 followers
May 22, 2020
I requested and received an e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and Kids Can Press in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this story; Bed is so cheeky! In this story Bed tells us what your bedtime routine is like from Bed’s perspective. You kick Bed, drool on Bed, steal all the blankets from Bed, how do you think that makes Bed feel? I love the illustrations and the faces that Bed makes.

This book would make a fantastic addition to every bedtime library!
Profile Image for Radwa.
Author 1 book2,309 followers
May 18, 2020
A cute picture book from the point of view of the bed, about the way the child treats the bed at bedtime and through the day. The art was cute and it's definitively supposed to be funny,not teaching a lesson or something like that.

I think Netgalley and Kids Can Press for the digital ARC.
Profile Image for Poongothai.
539 reviews48 followers
May 16, 2020
A book about a bed which tells about its feelings and expectations to the child. The illustrations were good.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC
Profile Image for Sanne.
187 reviews13 followers
October 15, 2020
Its a very fun and easy to read book. Ma daughter loved hearing from it. I read it a few times for her and some of her friends. It was very good. They really liked it.
Profile Image for Joy (Books with Joy).
110 reviews11 followers
April 29, 2020
Hate bedtime? Looks like children aren’t the only one. Bed has enough and Bed has something to say!

Children hating bedtime is a relatable experience. I love the concept of a talking bed. The bed’s perspective is humorous and highlights empathy. The illustration is bright, vivid, and engaging. The bed’s facial expression initially drew me in and throughout the book the bed’s expressions are hilarious.

I only wished the ending had a greater impact. Otherwise, this is such a fun book. Adorable and funny, I highly recommend this read! My niece hates bedtime so I’ll definitely read this book to her.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sandra.
922 reviews140 followers
June 30, 2020
This story is told from the point of view of a bed, who knows perfectly that its kid doesn't like to go to sleep, but wants its side of the story heard too. Bed wants someone to get in its shoes and think about all the kicking, drooling, jumping, plus the stickers, the mess and the smell under it.
It is a fun story, although I found the bed talking about itself in third person a little odd. Also the ending doesn't feel completely accomplished, but a little lacking. Still the illustrations are amazing. Probably the best thing in the book. It is hard to think about a bed as "expressive", but this bed really is. I think it is a great story for laughing at all the bedtime drama we all know perfectly well...

I received this book from Kids Can Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
7,020 reviews83 followers
April 24, 2020
Nope! The art was horrible, it look like an old kids books from the 80s, it felt creepy! The story is weird too, a bedtime book bus instead on focusing on why it's important to dream or something it present it like the bed need a break, it's truly a bed's story in that way... Didn't like it at all!
Profile Image for Bandita.
590 reviews97 followers
April 25, 2020
This is a sweet story. It is told from the point of view of a bed which was very interesting. The illustrations are very beautiful.
Profile Image for Panda Incognito.
4,709 reviews95 followers
May 29, 2020
This book gives children the opportunity to look at their bedtime battles from a different perspective. You might not like going to bed, but how does your bed feel about you? Maybe you're not that great either, with all of that kicking, all of that drooling, and all of the stickers you've stuck on the headboard.

Bed's self-expression in this book amused me, and I like the illustrations, which give off a nineties picture book vibe. I'm also fond of the stuffed panda who makes occasional side appearances. However, even though this book is creative and unique, it builds up to nothing much and fizzles out at the end. This is mainly just a gimmick book, and even though it is cute and fun, it doesn't have a sufficient narrative arc to make it a favorite to return to again and again.

I received an advance copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Abby Johnson.
3,373 reviews355 followers
Read
August 31, 2020
Ohhh this is adorable. Now Bed gets a chance to tell you their story. Because as much as you complain about bedtime, YOU are no picnic either. You kick, you drool, you put stickers (so many stickers) on everything. This wry picture book gives Bed a voice for once. The funny text paired with the hilariously expressive anthropomorphized bed makes for a really winning bedtime story, especially for kids who ask for five more minutes again and again.
Profile Image for Allie.
1,426 reviews38 followers
June 8, 2020
This rating/review is based on an advanced copy from Netgalley and Kids Can Press.

Cute! This is a sweet little bedtime story about Bed who is a bit fed up with all the things it has to put up with. The illustration style is really charming and there's something so lovely about the line quality that I really connect with. I think most of the book works reasonably well, but I don't feel like it resolves that well in the end. It's not a deal-breaker, but it keeps it from being a top tier recommendation.
Profile Image for Jenn Adams.
1,647 reviews5 followers
June 28, 2020
A colorful, fun picture book for bedtime. The silly story involves the bed telling its side of the story re: all of the ups and downs that happen in a child's bedroom. Nothing revolutionary, but 'anthropomorphized common objects combined with a humorous tone' tends to be a picture book trope that I enjoy. The one thing that kind of annoyed me is that throughout the book, Bed is consistently referred to as "Bed" instead of telling the story with the first-person "I".

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for sparkypink.
232 reviews
May 7, 2020
I received an ARC of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a bedtime story like you’ve never read before. It is told from the perspective of the bed, and what it is like to have a child jump, wiggle, drool, and steal the covers all night long. Oh, and don’t forget the smells!

It is a story that I think most parents will relate to, and children will find humorous. I bet they have never considered how the bed felt about their actions before!

The illustrations are colorful and fun, and almost have a vintage look to them, which I found visually appealing.

My biggest complaint would have to be the ending. It just kind of ended. I wouldn’t let that stop you from reading the book, though. It’s still a fun read and would make a great bedtime story.
Profile Image for Jeanie.
3,088 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2020
Believe it or not, little ones do not like going to bed. They fuss, they make deals, they aren't having it. The bed of that little one has it's own story to tell. Kiddo's might have a different take on bed time after hearing what their bed has to put up with. It's funny, entertaining, and engaging. Parent and kiddos will have fun with this one.

A Special Thank you to Kids Can Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Profile Image for Rachel.
389 reviews6 followers
May 14, 2020
I loved this silly, sweet book about a Bed's struggle with its young owner! The art is cutely expressive, and I regularly smiled along to the Bed's complaints. Really fun. Sometimes you just want a book that will be a delightful read, no big issues or learning experiences, and this is a great example of that.
651 reviews4 followers
May 9, 2020
Time for Bed's Story is a funny and cute picture book told from the perspective of the bed. We as readers are asked to consider things from bed's point of view: the kicking, the drooling, the noises, and the smells! This book would be perfect for teaching point of view in my classroom, and it will definitely be added to my shelf.
Profile Image for Sandy.
2,331 reviews16 followers
January 22, 2021
The personification of a bed seemed like a cute idea, but my kid thought the book was boring and the illustrations creepy.
Profile Image for BrookesEducationLibrarian.
457 reviews50 followers
March 2, 2021
This picture book is now available for loan in the SEC at Harcourt Hill Library.
Love this book! Humorous and cleverly done! My four year old found it really amusing and love the illustrations.
88 reviews2 followers
May 7, 2020
Get ready for the honest truth, because bed is sharing it's feelings about life with children in this picture book. The art and details will make children and adults more thoughtful of how they treat this underrespected piece of furniture. A great way to teach about point of view and personification to younger readers. Also, a great book for families to share at bedtime!
Profile Image for Literature Lattes.
183 reviews13 followers
April 29, 2020
First off, I believe this book was written specifically about our family. "Time for Bed's Story" by Monica Arnaldo really hits the nail on the head when it comes to things that occur in and around a child's bed. Everything from the stinky shoes under it to all the stickers that adorn it... Arnaldo gives the hilarious story from the bed's perspective.

This story is creative, engaging and fun! My kids enjoyed the book and then afterwards sat pondering if this is how their beds feel as well. I couldn't stop myself from laughing when we got to the portion of the book where poor bed is bedazzled with stickers all over it! This is exactly what it is like with little ones and stickers!

Overall, this was an enjoyable read for the whole family and will be loved time and time again!
Profile Image for Matthew.
2,890 reviews52 followers
May 1, 2020
Review copy provided by NetGalley

What a funny book! Bed delivers his complaints about the sort of treatment that he's received over the years, and it is spot on! I was laughing throughout, but mostly because I kept thinking how true it all was. This child's poor bed has seen it all, and has plenty of grievances to air. Thank goodness beds aren't actually sentient so they don't have to be aware of all that they tolerate! I loved this book. I can't wait for it come out so that I can share it with kids. Really well done!
Profile Image for Ashley Dang.
1,574 reviews
May 5, 2020
A adorable book with gorgeous drawings and a very cute bed! I loved the story and the character designs. A very sweet book and I just can’t get enough!
Profile Image for Jessica Haider.
2,204 reviews327 followers
May 31, 2020
Time for Bed's Story is a sweet and amusing picture book told from the perspective of a bed. This particular bed belongs to a kid who doesn't like to go to bed, likes to jump on his bed, stick stickers on his bed and otherwise abuse the bed.

This was a fun twist on the "please just go to sleep" picture book that all parents of young children wish would actually make their kids just go to sleep. This book would be great to read to kids ages 3 and up.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sara Weather.
499 reviews
May 1, 2020
Art: Like the details

Story: The story could be seen in the vein of when the crayons quit – basically the story that can make kids (and older) think about how they treat bedtime and their bed/furniture.

(I want to thank Kids Can Press and netgalley for approving me to review Time for Bed’s Story)
Profile Image for Melanie Sligh.
472 reviews26 followers
April 27, 2020
Oh, you struggle with bedtime too? Your child enjoys jumping on the bed or leaving food around? Have no fear, Bed is here to tell it like it is.

Time For Bed’s Story is about the bed and all the inconveniences and ways it’s been mistreated. At first, I felt the tone was more accusatory than explaining the issues. But, the more I read it, the more I understood! I did appreciate how kind they asked for it to not happen again.

I read this to our 4 year old, and she apologized to her bed. I say this is a success! Thank you NetGalley and Kids Can Press for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews

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