The Last Book Before Bedtime, from Nicola O’Byrne, is an exciting picture book filled with chaos and mayhem as recognisable fairy tale characters try to decide which should be the last book before bedtime.
‘At the end of a day that’s been filled with lovely things that ping and beep and buzz and glow, there’s nothing better than one last-book-before-bed.’
… and so the story begins. Once the author manages to call the three little pigs to attention, they get off to a great – just slightly delayed – start. Until they have a ‘rather pink interruption’ from Cinderella.
This causes all sorts of confusion. Who will play the ugly sisters? ‘Right, Pigs! Get your dresses on!’
The mayhem continues when Little Red Riding Hood (and the wolf!) jump into the scene too.
Nicola O’Byrne’s witty narrative, which often talks directly to the reader, is accompanied by great call outs from the various characters popping up. These are the source of plenty of giggles as the characters really establish themselves, and are frequently the source of some brilliant one-liners.
O’Byrne’s illustrations are lively and bold, perfectly conveying the chaos and the varied characters that pop up in her story.
The Last Book Before Bedtime is a great picture book to share before bedtime.
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