What do you think?
Rate this book
Switching on the Moon: A Very First Book of Bedtime Poems
This wide-ranging collection of bedtime poems is an inspired baby gift that will find a treasured place on children’s nightstands everywhere.
From the hoot of an owl to the horns of the city, from children giggling in the bath to the hushed notes of a lullaby, here is an exquisite anthology that captures the universal poetry of bedtime. Expertly gathered by Jane Yolen and Andrew Fusek Peters, these sixty poems range from old favorite poets such as Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Sylvia Plath, and Eleanor Farjeon to beloved contemporary poets like Marilyn Singer, Lee Bennett Hopkins, and Children’s Poet Laureate Mary Ann Hoberman. Beautifully illustrated by G. Brian Karas with richness and whimsy, Switching on the Moon is the perfect book to share with a child to usher in a night of sweet dreams.
Back matter includes an index of first lines and an index of poets.
From the hoot of an owl to the horns of the city, from children giggling in the bath to the hushed notes of a lullaby, here is an exquisite anthology that captures the universal poetry of bedtime. Expertly gathered by Jane Yolen and Andrew Fusek Peters, these sixty poems range from old favorite poets such as Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Sylvia Plath, and Eleanor Farjeon to beloved contemporary poets like Marilyn Singer, Lee Bennett Hopkins, and Children’s Poet Laureate Mary Ann Hoberman. Beautifully illustrated by G. Brian Karas with richness and whimsy, Switching on the Moon is the perfect book to share with a child to usher in a night of sweet dreams.
Back matter includes an index of first lines and an index of poets.
96 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
137 people want to read
About the author
Jane Yolen
945 books3,219 followersJane Yolen is a novelist, poet, fantasist, journalist, songwriter, storyteller, folklorist, and children’s book author who has written more than three hundred books. Her accolades include the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Born and raised in New York City, the mother of three and the grandmother of six, Yolen lives in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
February 24, 2011
What I Can Tell You: The book is listed as a poetry book for ages 0-5 and is full of colorful, fun and whimsical illustrations however, I think this book goes wayyyy beyond 5. Last year, my son's Kindergarten class started writing poetry and since then, it is something he really enjoys. He is almost 8 years old and loves this book and he has read it over 10 times this week. My friend's daughter almost 10 was here and she loved it too.
This is a great collection of fun, sweet, lovely poems. It is a great introduction to poetry for your little ones and one that will be pulled from the book shelf when they can read on their own. Listening to my son read or sing the poems is beautiful to my ears. As someone who wrote poetry when I was younger,this is music to my ears. It may even inspire him to try writing outside of his classroom.
This is a great collection of fun, sweet, lovely poems. It is a great introduction to poetry for your little ones and one that will be pulled from the book shelf when they can read on their own. Listening to my son read or sing the poems is beautiful to my ears. As someone who wrote poetry when I was younger,this is music to my ears. It may even inspire him to try writing outside of his classroom.
October 6, 2017
Nursery rhyme or Mother Goose
Title (italicize): Switching on the Moon
Author: Jane Yolen and Andrew Fusek Peters
Illustrator (if separate from author): G. Brian Karas
Genre: Poetry, Nonfiction / Realistic Fiction
Theme(s): Bedtime, night time, cleanliness
Opening line/sentence (type directly from text):
The Man in the Moon
Brief Book Summary (2-3 sentences in your own words): The book is a compilation of poems for children that are centered around bedtime, nighttime, and hygiene. There are 3 sections: Going to Bed, Sweet Dreams, and In The Night. Mostly every poem is about a child or a family, or the night sky / nature.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1 (cut & paste, details below):
Name of Reviewer: Susan Treadway
Name of Source (journal, association/organization, etc.): CLCD
Link to source: http://www.clcd.com.ezaccess.librarie...
Short blurb from the review(cut & paste)
Three sections of bedtime verse are nicely gathered up in a marvelous anthology written by classic and modern poets from the United States, Great Britain, the Caribbean and Australia. Sixty poems are a mix of different types; some are quite short as four lines while a few others are rather long on double pages. Fanciful illustrations are rendered in various media which adds to delightful imagination for all ages. The first section, Going to Bed, tangles romping on the bed with taking baths and other well-known routines, but also presents calming, twinkling nighttime skies heralded by whimsical moons. Sweet Dreams soothes youngsters with precious lullabies collected from different cultures, including one by the American Children's Poet Laureate, Mary Ann Hoberman. The last section, In the Night, brings darkness and vivid dreams alive through familiar sounds both reassuring and perhaps not so comforting. There are a variety of moods with much personification presented in childlike fashion. Poems showcase little ones pretending both silly and serious themes. Some are traditional toddler songs, too. As a read-aloud, there are rich possibilities for sharing stories with hearts and minds captured on every page. Young and old alike can spend a quiet night together with this treasured collection knowing that more special memories will be made to last a very long time. Quite helpful are an Index of First Lines, an Index of Poets, and a listing of Copyright Acknowledgments. 2010, Candlewick Press, $21.99. Ages 3 to 8.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2 (cut & paste, details below):
Name of Reviewer: Horn Book
Name of Source (journal, association/organization, etc.): Horn Book
Link to source: http://www.hornbookguide.com/cgi-bin/...
Short blurb from the review(cut & paste)
Also compiled by Andrew Fusek Peters. Yolen and Peters do a fine job of varying the subjects and moods in this cozy themed anthology featuring poets both well known and up-and-coming; the best of the pieces rival the energy and rigor of nursery rhymes. Karas's paintings, many featuring a gorgeous midnight blue, are peopled with cloud-sleepers, bed-bouncers, dream-wonderers, and night-singers, a safe world with an edge of mystery.
Response to Two Professional Reviews (3-4 sentences in your own words)
Agree? Disagree? Commonalities and/or differences?
Absolutely gorgeous book. I completely agree with these reviews. This books offers such a wide range of moods and setting revolving around bedtime and bedtime routines. I really loved reading the poems.
Evaluation of Literary Elements (3-4 sentences in your own words):
This book’s illustrations are stunning. The whole book is focused around night time, so there are a lot of dark tones, like black, dark grey, dark blue, and dark purple. However, the use of bright colors is even better. The illustrator uses the colors to contrast and show light in the pictures and it comes together beautifully.
The book uses simple language and is very relatable to every child. I think that these poems were done perfectly with children in mind. The use of rhyming is different in every poem and it makes for a great book.
Consideration of Instructional Application(3-4 sentences in your own words):
This would be a really great book to open up a poetry unit to younger students. In a mini lesson, I would also talk about all the different types of poems there are, how most have a focus on one thing, how some rhyme and some don’t, and all the different characteristics of poetry and poets. I would also talk about what Nursery rhymes are and what Mother Goose Nursery rhymes are. After the mini lesson, I would have them choose a topic and create a few different poems on that one topic. I think it would be awesome to also try different types of poems. I think that a connection to another content areas would be to personal hygiene and healthy living.
Title (italicize): Switching on the Moon
Author: Jane Yolen and Andrew Fusek Peters
Illustrator (if separate from author): G. Brian Karas
Genre: Poetry, Nonfiction / Realistic Fiction
Theme(s): Bedtime, night time, cleanliness
Opening line/sentence (type directly from text):
The Man in the Moon
Brief Book Summary (2-3 sentences in your own words): The book is a compilation of poems for children that are centered around bedtime, nighttime, and hygiene. There are 3 sections: Going to Bed, Sweet Dreams, and In The Night. Mostly every poem is about a child or a family, or the night sky / nature.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1 (cut & paste, details below):
Name of Reviewer: Susan Treadway
Name of Source (journal, association/organization, etc.): CLCD
Link to source: http://www.clcd.com.ezaccess.librarie...
Short blurb from the review(cut & paste)
Three sections of bedtime verse are nicely gathered up in a marvelous anthology written by classic and modern poets from the United States, Great Britain, the Caribbean and Australia. Sixty poems are a mix of different types; some are quite short as four lines while a few others are rather long on double pages. Fanciful illustrations are rendered in various media which adds to delightful imagination for all ages. The first section, Going to Bed, tangles romping on the bed with taking baths and other well-known routines, but also presents calming, twinkling nighttime skies heralded by whimsical moons. Sweet Dreams soothes youngsters with precious lullabies collected from different cultures, including one by the American Children's Poet Laureate, Mary Ann Hoberman. The last section, In the Night, brings darkness and vivid dreams alive through familiar sounds both reassuring and perhaps not so comforting. There are a variety of moods with much personification presented in childlike fashion. Poems showcase little ones pretending both silly and serious themes. Some are traditional toddler songs, too. As a read-aloud, there are rich possibilities for sharing stories with hearts and minds captured on every page. Young and old alike can spend a quiet night together with this treasured collection knowing that more special memories will be made to last a very long time. Quite helpful are an Index of First Lines, an Index of Poets, and a listing of Copyright Acknowledgments. 2010, Candlewick Press, $21.99. Ages 3 to 8.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2 (cut & paste, details below):
Name of Reviewer: Horn Book
Name of Source (journal, association/organization, etc.): Horn Book
Link to source: http://www.hornbookguide.com/cgi-bin/...
Short blurb from the review(cut & paste)
Also compiled by Andrew Fusek Peters. Yolen and Peters do a fine job of varying the subjects and moods in this cozy themed anthology featuring poets both well known and up-and-coming; the best of the pieces rival the energy and rigor of nursery rhymes. Karas's paintings, many featuring a gorgeous midnight blue, are peopled with cloud-sleepers, bed-bouncers, dream-wonderers, and night-singers, a safe world with an edge of mystery.
Response to Two Professional Reviews (3-4 sentences in your own words)
Agree? Disagree? Commonalities and/or differences?
Absolutely gorgeous book. I completely agree with these reviews. This books offers such a wide range of moods and setting revolving around bedtime and bedtime routines. I really loved reading the poems.
Evaluation of Literary Elements (3-4 sentences in your own words):
This book’s illustrations are stunning. The whole book is focused around night time, so there are a lot of dark tones, like black, dark grey, dark blue, and dark purple. However, the use of bright colors is even better. The illustrator uses the colors to contrast and show light in the pictures and it comes together beautifully.
The book uses simple language and is very relatable to every child. I think that these poems were done perfectly with children in mind. The use of rhyming is different in every poem and it makes for a great book.
Consideration of Instructional Application(3-4 sentences in your own words):
This would be a really great book to open up a poetry unit to younger students. In a mini lesson, I would also talk about all the different types of poems there are, how most have a focus on one thing, how some rhyme and some don’t, and all the different characteristics of poetry and poets. I would also talk about what Nursery rhymes are and what Mother Goose Nursery rhymes are. After the mini lesson, I would have them choose a topic and create a few different poems on that one topic. I think it would be awesome to also try different types of poems. I think that a connection to another content areas would be to personal hygiene and healthy living.
September 19, 2018
A beautifully illustrated collection of wonderful bedtime poems arranged in three sections:
Going to Bed;
Sweet Dreams;
In the Night.
In the back of this large book is an index of first lines, and an index of poets.
Going to Bed;
Sweet Dreams;
In the Night.
In the back of this large book is an index of first lines, and an index of poets.
March 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this poetry anthology. The poems are short and the art is cute. I also like that its a great introduction to various authors. I can see this being something an adult can read with their child, or something a child can pick up on their own. All in all, I would recommend it.
September 22, 2018
This is a love selection of poems about bed and bed time with beautiful illustrations. I read it out look to the children and we all enjoyed it.
May 20, 2019
Lovely anthology about all things night, sleep, dream, and getting to all three states.
July 19, 2019
This is a beautifully illustrated collection of bedtime poetry.
April 20, 2023
Not bad for how the subtitle defines it: A Very First Book of Bedtime Poems. Soft.
March 26, 2018
I liked this book, but all the poems were based around going to bed. Some of the poems were familiar to me, but others I had never heard before. However, I do think this book would help younger children learn to reader for fluently.
April 8, 2011
Just a beautiful inviting book of poems, simple dreamy illustrations set the mood for bedtime cuddling.
Relax with your child and together share a trip through a dimension of rhyme while reading these charming poems. Switching on the Moon consists of three sections, the first section is called "Going to Bed" the second "Sweet Dreams and the third "In the Night" for a total of 60 poems in all. These are the sweetest poems you can read to a child. The poems are short so an infant will find the rhyme and rhythm delightful with just the right amount of stimulation. An older child will find it effortless to read along and will quickly memorize the short poems. This is a book a child will ask for at bedtime often so be prepared to read it for years to come. The hardcover is great for those toddlers who like to read on their own and the soft illustration on the front cover is sure to remind your child these are special bedtime stories. My favorites poems in the book are "The Bath-time Pirate" and "Naughty Soap Song." two great poems to read before bath-time, with a promise to read the rest later, will have your child in and out of the tub in no time at all. The illustrations although simple are beautiful and not to bright which helps set the bedtime mood. I loved reading all the poems in Switching on the Moon, they are a mix of bath-time, teeth brushing, dreams, tooth fairies, twinkling stars and so much more, a few are classics with a little twist, making them all unique. I absolutely recommend this book to all parents and grandparents, a book for all ages 0-99, as adults will find the poems comforting and enchanting as well.
Relax with your child and together share a trip through a dimension of rhyme while reading these charming poems. Switching on the Moon consists of three sections, the first section is called "Going to Bed" the second "Sweet Dreams and the third "In the Night" for a total of 60 poems in all. These are the sweetest poems you can read to a child. The poems are short so an infant will find the rhyme and rhythm delightful with just the right amount of stimulation. An older child will find it effortless to read along and will quickly memorize the short poems. This is a book a child will ask for at bedtime often so be prepared to read it for years to come. The hardcover is great for those toddlers who like to read on their own and the soft illustration on the front cover is sure to remind your child these are special bedtime stories. My favorites poems in the book are "The Bath-time Pirate" and "Naughty Soap Song." two great poems to read before bath-time, with a promise to read the rest later, will have your child in and out of the tub in no time at all. The illustrations although simple are beautiful and not to bright which helps set the bedtime mood. I loved reading all the poems in Switching on the Moon, they are a mix of bath-time, teeth brushing, dreams, tooth fairies, twinkling stars and so much more, a few are classics with a little twist, making them all unique. I absolutely recommend this book to all parents and grandparents, a book for all ages 0-99, as adults will find the poems comforting and enchanting as well.
April 24, 2015
This is without doubt a family favorite. It has a superb poem selection, it is ordered by topic, which makes routines easy, and the illustrations are very cute.
The poem selection is fantastic. English is not my native language, and so these poems were all new to me. But they have been selected tastefully: they are very rhythmic, and fun. Many of them are short, especially at the beginning, and this makes it easier for a child. There are more complex poems at the back as well. Of course, everyone has favorites, but both my child and I LOVE about 70% of the poems (and like the rest) and we have memorized about half the book of reading so much!
The poems are ordered by topic, and this helps a lot set up a routine, for bath time and for bed time! If you have children, you know how important this is. It helps immerse the child on a topic and make a point. There are poems for all occasions.
The illustrations have a lot of detail and are very cute. I know this is crucial for my child: she will definitely judge a book by the illustrations! And she has spent countless hours enjoying the detail in these and how well they match the poems.
I have given this book as a present uncountable times, and in spite of its high quality binding, our book is worn off after so much reading. This and a Dr. Seuss collection are the favorites in our home. I highly recommend it!
The poem selection is fantastic. English is not my native language, and so these poems were all new to me. But they have been selected tastefully: they are very rhythmic, and fun. Many of them are short, especially at the beginning, and this makes it easier for a child. There are more complex poems at the back as well. Of course, everyone has favorites, but both my child and I LOVE about 70% of the poems (and like the rest) and we have memorized about half the book of reading so much!
The poems are ordered by topic, and this helps a lot set up a routine, for bath time and for bed time! If you have children, you know how important this is. It helps immerse the child on a topic and make a point. There are poems for all occasions.
The illustrations have a lot of detail and are very cute. I know this is crucial for my child: she will definitely judge a book by the illustrations! And she has spent countless hours enjoying the detail in these and how well they match the poems.
I have given this book as a present uncountable times, and in spite of its high quality binding, our book is worn off after so much reading. This and a Dr. Seuss collection are the favorites in our home. I highly recommend it!
December 1, 2016
Switching on the Moon: A Very First Book of Bedtime Poems, is an anthology of poems by Jane Yolen and Andrew Fusek Peters. In this book are 60 poems by various authors such as Alfred Lord Tennyson, Sylvia Plath, Marilyn Singer, and Lee Bennet Hopkins to name a few. Each poem has a different quality about it and several of the poems especially towards the end use onomatopoeia or words that describe sounds and I think that that's really useful for young children as it can help them work on using descriptive terms in their own writing.
I really enjoyed reading all of these poems and I think that we each had something different to bring to the book and because there's such different poets each writing in their own style you get just a beautiful variety within this collection. And it's all very sweet and innocent and enjoyable. Now to apply to the classroom I think something that I could do is make a example graffiti chart and have my students intern follow my example and make their own and talk about specific things they remembered from certain poems what they liked and what stood out to them the most. Since this is a poetry anthology of different poems, for another classroom activity, the students can read the poems aloud and draw a picture or paint something in response to a poem.
I really enjoyed reading all of these poems and I think that we each had something different to bring to the book and because there's such different poets each writing in their own style you get just a beautiful variety within this collection. And it's all very sweet and innocent and enjoyable. Now to apply to the classroom I think something that I could do is make a example graffiti chart and have my students intern follow my example and make their own and talk about specific things they remembered from certain poems what they liked and what stood out to them the most. Since this is a poetry anthology of different poems, for another classroom activity, the students can read the poems aloud and draw a picture or paint something in response to a poem.
September 4, 2025
Short, lyrical poems about the night - you'll be surprised how much children enjoy the sound of rhyming stanzas and beg for just one more to be read.
Ages: 4 - 8
Here’s a few of our bedtime favs: watch my reel!
Content Considerations: the word "breast" is used to mean chest. Pictures of children in bathtubs but nothing shown.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide Content Considerations, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
If you’re considering a book or looking for a new title to read, check out my highly categorized shelves, read my reviews and Friend or Follow me to spiff up your feed with clean, wholesome, living books.
I have an Instagram account that’s pretty bookishly unique too!
Ages: 4 - 8
Here’s a few of our bedtime favs: watch my reel!
Content Considerations: the word "breast" is used to mean chest. Pictures of children in bathtubs but nothing shown.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide Content Considerations, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
If you’re considering a book or looking for a new title to read, check out my highly categorized shelves, read my reviews and Friend or Follow me to spiff up your feed with clean, wholesome, living books.
I have an Instagram account that’s pretty bookishly unique too!
April 13, 2011
This poetry anthology is one of the best that I have read in a very long time. I have always loved poetry. I remember reading poems in my high school years searching for quotes that I could put in letters and emails. This book of poetry was created for the youngest of readers, but I feel as though this collection is timeless and that people of all ages can enjoy the beauty of the poems included in this anthology. There are many classics int his book. The pictures were funny and charming and full of color. There were many familiar classics included such as "Twinkle Twinkle", but one of my favorites that was included was "Sweet and Low" by Lord Alfred Tennyson. I think it is wonderful to introduce the classics to children. A new one that I had never heard before was "Bedtime Chant for the Toothfairy." This will be a poem that I read to my son when he loses his teeth. The book was put together very well. Many of the poems had a very relaxing quality to it, so this would make a wonderful book to read at bedtime or to read to students before naptime. I would highly recommend this book to other parents and educators.
March 21, 2015
Switching on the Moon collected by Jane Yolen and Andrew Fusek Peters
This is an anthology from different poets in which Jane Yolen and Andre Fusek collected 60 classic and contemporary poems with the purpose of representing a variety of poems perfect for sharing at bedtime. Its contents three chapters: “Going to bed”, “Sweet Dreams”, and “In the Night”. I like there are poems that reflect what children do before (getting ready to bed), during their sleep (dreaming), and also what really happens at night (sounds of the night). Young children can easily identify with the poems since they reflect the night routines that children are supposed to have at bed time. The illustrations are phenomenal, beautiful and show children from all over the word—in the city, country and everywhere in between. I recommend this book for preschool to second grade ages.
Switching on the Moon won an Oppenheim Portfolio Gold award and is one of the Toronto Globe & Mail’s top books of the year. It is also a finalist for the Cybils award. 2012-2013 Beehive Poetry Nominee from the Children’s Literature Association of Utah (CLAU).
This is an anthology from different poets in which Jane Yolen and Andre Fusek collected 60 classic and contemporary poems with the purpose of representing a variety of poems perfect for sharing at bedtime. Its contents three chapters: “Going to bed”, “Sweet Dreams”, and “In the Night”. I like there are poems that reflect what children do before (getting ready to bed), during their sleep (dreaming), and also what really happens at night (sounds of the night). Young children can easily identify with the poems since they reflect the night routines that children are supposed to have at bed time. The illustrations are phenomenal, beautiful and show children from all over the word—in the city, country and everywhere in between. I recommend this book for preschool to second grade ages.
Switching on the Moon won an Oppenheim Portfolio Gold award and is one of the Toronto Globe & Mail’s top books of the year. It is also a finalist for the Cybils award. 2012-2013 Beehive Poetry Nominee from the Children’s Literature Association of Utah (CLAU).
May 23, 2012
An enjoyable collection of night-related poems. Perfect for the night Summer Reading theme! Poems and illustrations were overall sweet and gentle. There were some poems I very much liked, and some that I did not. The illustrations were cute, and familiar--I'm trying to remember all of the other works I've read with the same illustrator (G. Brian Karas).
Might be fun to read a few of these in a preschool storytime, or other storytime setting--especially a PJ one!
A nice addition to the Beehive nominees, though I am wondering how well it will be received by our younger readers. For me, it didn't read well straight through. It was nice to read a few at a time. Will the younger kids get the overall sense from it if they read it that way? Will they want to read it in one sitting and be OK? I don't know. Guess we'll see!
Might be fun to read a few of these in a preschool storytime, or other storytime setting--especially a PJ one!
A nice addition to the Beehive nominees, though I am wondering how well it will be received by our younger readers. For me, it didn't read well straight through. It was nice to read a few at a time. Will the younger kids get the overall sense from it if they read it that way? Will they want to read it in one sitting and be OK? I don't know. Guess we'll see!
March 9, 2011
I was intrigued when I saw this book reviewed on Booklist's Bookends blog. Cindy and Lynn recommended this book as a baby gift and since I have a lot of friends popping out kids this Spring, I thought I'd check it out.
I agree it would make a delightful baby gift! This collection of poems is thoughtfully compiled and the subjects range from the moon rising to brushing teeth to bathtime. There are also a great variety of poems-short and long, some that rhyme, some funny, some a bit more serious. The poems would be perfect for reading aloud to even the youngest of children and I can see it becoming a bedtime favorite.
I agree it would make a delightful baby gift! This collection of poems is thoughtfully compiled and the subjects range from the moon rising to brushing teeth to bathtime. There are also a great variety of poems-short and long, some that rhyme, some funny, some a bit more serious. The poems would be perfect for reading aloud to even the youngest of children and I can see it becoming a bedtime favorite.
September 29, 2010
"Switching on the Moon' is a nice size, bright illustrated and numerous poems to read in that lyrical fashion to lull a child to sleep. Now this is a large book complete with an index of all the poems. I love that I will be using this book for many years to come with all of my grandbabes, present and ones to come. It is also a lil heavy so be ready to have a knee to help prop it up. But it is perfect to help get that quiet tone to lull your sweet angels off to la-la land. It worked like a dream for me.
April 5, 2013
♥♥♥
Mermaid's Lullaby
Hush, foam mocker,
Sleep, wave maker,
Close your eyes and dream,
Tide breaker.
Waves will rock you,
Whales will sing you,
Starfish a night-light
Will bring you.
Hush, deep diver,
Shush, shell keeper,
Be your finny mother's
Sleeper.
- Jane Yolen
The Dream Keeper
Bring me all your dreams,
You dreamers,
Bring me all your
Heart melodies
That I may wrap them
In a blue cloud-cloth
Away from the too-rough fingers
Of the world.
-Langston Hughes
Mermaid's Lullaby
Hush, foam mocker,
Sleep, wave maker,
Close your eyes and dream,
Tide breaker.
Waves will rock you,
Whales will sing you,
Starfish a night-light
Will bring you.
Hush, deep diver,
Shush, shell keeper,
Be your finny mother's
Sleeper.
- Jane Yolen
The Dream Keeper
Bring me all your dreams,
You dreamers,
Bring me all your
Heart melodies
That I may wrap them
In a blue cloud-cloth
Away from the too-rough fingers
Of the world.
-Langston Hughes
May 1, 2014
A collection of rhymes and poems all based around going to bed. I picked this book of poems because I felt it fit the requirement of the books I was looking for that would fit poetry. When I read this I was still student teaching kindergarten and it worked really well with helping students learn fluency in reading. I had several days during my teaching that I would have the class either sit on the carpet or at their desks and listen to several of the poems in the book then ask what they think each poem meant. The book really helped in bringing out class discussion.
December 31, 2011
This is an impressive collection of bedtime poetry. The illustrations are peaceful, dreamy, blue-toned, and full of stars…perfect pairing of text and pictures.
A few of my favorite poems from this collection: The Starlighter by Arthur Guiterman; Go to Bed, Tom by Anonymous; My Bed by Tony Mitton; Mermaid’s Lullaby by Jane Yolen; Night Sounds by Roger Stevens; and Rain Song by Andrew Fusek Peters.
A few of my favorite poems from this collection: The Starlighter by Arthur Guiterman; Go to Bed, Tom by Anonymous; My Bed by Tony Mitton; Mermaid’s Lullaby by Jane Yolen; Night Sounds by Roger Stevens; and Rain Song by Andrew Fusek Peters.
October 7, 2012
This is a fantastic collection of poetry about night and sleep, including poems from authors like Sylvia Plath and Langston Hughes, as well as popular children's authors like Rick Walton and Jane Yolen.
Wordless Words
Wordless words.
A tuneless tune.
Blow out the sun.
Draw down the shade.
Turn off the dog.
Snap on the stars.
Unwrap the moon.
Wish leafy, sleeping trees goodnight.
And listen
To the day shut tight.
—Karla Kuskin
Wordless Words
Wordless words.
A tuneless tune.
Blow out the sun.
Draw down the shade.
Turn off the dog.
Snap on the stars.
Unwrap the moon.
Wish leafy, sleeping trees goodnight.
And listen
To the day shut tight.
—Karla Kuskin
February 21, 2013
Poetry often loses me, but this poetry I relate to: simple, direct, playful. Here are many wonderful poems and many wonderful illustrations. I just revisited this book of poems a little over a year from my first reading. The book remains delightful. M favorites are Sleeping Outdoors, In the Night, The Bat, and Wonder. Still, as good as the poems are, it is the illustrations that bring the feeling of Switching on the Moon.
July 15, 2012
I love this book and have been reading so many poems out of it to the children in the summer reading program (Dream Big: Read!) Lots of great dream poems, moon poems for moon week, star poems for star week, nightmares, bats, owls, this books will be used all summer long and would be wonderful for bedtimes! Highly recommended.
October 5, 2012
My 6-year-old son and I just finished reading through these poems at bedtime. Even though it's a "very first" book, he loved them as a bigger kid too. There were a few funny selections, but mostly they were quiet and sweet poems, with perfectly matched illustrations by Karas. It'd be a great baby gift to last through the years.
May 2, 2015
Bedtime poems
All children
Awonderful collection of fifty-six bedtime poems by forty-four authors.
Quite a few poems that you may have your own childhood memories. What a lovely way to end the day. This also a great way to introduce young readers to poetry. Classroom activites could include different bedtime routines as well as to draw a picture of your favorite poem.
All children
Awonderful collection of fifty-six bedtime poems by forty-four authors.
Quite a few poems that you may have your own childhood memories. What a lovely way to end the day. This also a great way to introduce young readers to poetry. Classroom activites could include different bedtime routines as well as to draw a picture of your favorite poem.
March 27, 2011
Awesome collection of bedtime poems--some I've never heard before. I also enjoyed Brian Karas's art. Much softer than what he usually does, very comforting. I plan to check out more work of some of the poets featured in this book.
April 19, 2011
J 811 Switching
Kay's rating: 5 stars
A wonderful book to share with your little one at bedtime. The poems are short and all deal with bedtime themes. You and your little one my find several favorite poems that you will want to repeat nightly.
Kay's rating: 5 stars
A wonderful book to share with your little one at bedtime. The poems are short and all deal with bedtime themes. You and your little one my find several favorite poems that you will want to repeat nightly.
May 31, 2011
My daughter and I read most of these poems over the course of a week. She and I really enjoyed the easy cadence of the poems and the beautiful illustrations. This is a big book, but taken in small chunks, it is perfect for even the youngest child.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews