Leo, Sleep Tight!
Anna McQuinn, author
Anna McQuinn has worked in children's books for more than twenty-five years as an editor, publisher, and writer. She is the author of more than twenty books for children, including the Lola series and the Leo series. Anna leads children's and parents' programs at her local library.
Read more about Anna.
Ruth Hearson, illustrator
Ruth Hearson has illustrated and written several children's books, including Leo Can Swim, Leo Loves Baby Time, Cinnamon's Fairy Sleepover and Knitted by Grandma. She lives in England.
Read more about Ruth.
- Coming soon!
School Library Journal
A Black toddler goes through his evening routine with his father and mother: bottle, bath, skin care, pajamas, a song, and a book. The tranquil, soft-textured illustrations place emphasis on quiet relaxation and loving connection between parent and child. With the turn of each page, the background colors subtly shift from bright white to cool green to deep blue, providing a calming experience for sleepy eyes.
VERDICT A warm and fuzzy addition for all collections.
Kirkus Reviews
A baby gets ready for bed.
After a play-filled day, it’s time for Leo to wind down and go to sleep. He drinks warm milk, takes a bath, snuggles up with his parents to hear a story, and dozes off. McQuinn’s text is appropriate for young toddlers, with just a few words per page. The descriptions are short and make use of alliteration, while Hearson’s soft, warm illustrations exude a feeling of comfort, from the delicate bathtub bubbles to the fleecy snuggle of Leo’s pajamas. What sets the artwork apart is how it makes an ordinary experience feel like the precious, magical time that it is. The family’s love and trust for one another are evident as they cuddle together while reading; in one image, a parent holds Leo tenderly, and in another, the other parent draws him close. All of the steps in this bedtime routine are reassuring, and Leo looks content throughout; this is a helpful read to get little ones ready—and even eager—for bedtime. Leo and his parents present as Black.
A lovely bedtime read.
Children's Literature
Snuggle up with Leo and his mom and dad in this charming bedtime board book. Leo is a young toddler boy with brown skin and curly hair. He pushes a snail on wheels as he lays down on the floor in the first double page spread. Then he lounges comfortably in a cute chair that looks like a bear while he drinks warm milk from a cup. Leo sniffs bubbles that smell like the forest as he floats in the bathtub. After the bath Leo gets lotion put on to moisturize his skin. A snuggly sleep suit covers his soft skin and his mom closes the curtains to his room. Leo lays on his dad’s chest to sing a song and then he joins both of his parents on the floor for a bedtime story. Leo is ready to rest in his crib at the end of his bedtime routine. This is such a sweet and simple way to help children understand a bedtime routine. The illustrations are peaceful and engaging. This is a very relatable book for little ones and is part of a series called Leo Can!
Board book
ISBN: 978-1-62354-338-9
Ages: 0-3
Page count: 18
7 x 7