Whether we like to admit it or not, I don’t think there is a parent out there who can’t relate to the popular picture book for adults, Go the F**k to Sleep. I have two boys under the age of three, so “go the f**k to sleep” was my motto for over a year (and sometimes, it still is). Author Adam Mansbach and illustrator Ricardo Cortes are back with another edition of this book…and this time, it’s kid-friendly. Seriously, Just Go to Sleep is a humorous look at bedtime that both kids and adults can laugh at.
The premise of the book is simple: a tired parent just wants their young child to go to sleep already. I decided to read this one with my
two year old, because we’ve had this discussion many, many times. At first he got angry with me because he thought I was telling him to go to sleep right then. However, once I pointed out the child in the pictures, he caught on quickly. He giggled as I read, and several times jokingly told me “No! I’m not going to sleep!” He asked why the little boy in the book did not want to go to bed, and we talked about some possible reasons why he might want to stay up. My son told me the boy should go to bed so he won’t be “too tired for school tomorrow.” If only he would listen to his own advice!
This book made me think of some of my preschool students and their constant attempts to avoid taking a nap. Bathroom emergencies, sudden dire thirst, “injuries;” I’ve heard them all. I would love to read this book with them, because I think it would make them laugh as they saw themselves in the story. Maybe the would realize how ridiculous they sound! Eh, probably not.
Seriously, Just Go to Sleep is a fun bedtime read for both children and adults. Even older kids will appreciate the humor in this story. If you are looking to share a laugh with your child, or you don’t feel comfortable reading a picture book that has the F-word in the title, this is the book for you. Pair it with Go the F**K to Sleep for a hilarious “new dad” gift!
Seriously, Just Go to Sleep is 32 pages long and is published by Akashic Books. It’s also available for the Kindle.
I was provided with a digital copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
