What Do You Do to Fall Asleep?

Guido Van Genechten (1957, Belgium) studied drawing and painting, graphics and photography. Afterwards he worked for many years in the graphic industry. Now Guido works as a fulltime illustrator of children’s books. In 1998 he won the international Illustrator’s Award City of Hasselt with his picture book Ricky. This prize was the beginning of his international career as a children’s book illustrator. Since that moment, Guido Van Genechten has created many best-selling stories and received several awards. In 2007 he was the winner of the Reader’s Digest Award for Best Children’s Book Illustrator. And in the past ten years his books were published in 30 countries around the world.

"A mouse polls his friends about their bedtime routines. Little Mouse is introduced as inquisitive, and he certainly is. He has big questions, like how to get to the moon and back and how many stars are in the sky, but this energetic, repetitive bedtime tale focuses on more down-to-earth concerns: how Little Mouse’s pals get themselves to sleep. Dressed in pajamas covered in stars, Little Mouse appears quite matter-of-factly in his friends’ bedrooms in succession. Lift-the-flap elements reveal that Pigeon goes to bed with a huge collection of objects, including a tennis racket, a teddy bear, and a coloring book. Dog rolls around to his back, his stomach, and his side, which will encourage movement. Koala jumps on the bed to ward off ghosts, which might address bedtime fears—though this is a story about finding a bedtime routine rather than dealing with nervousness. Each spread has a similar layout and flow, making it perfect for young children who thrive on repetition. There’s a good mix of strategies shared and an ensemble moment before the cozy conclusion. The art is nothing special, but the chance to explore the different bed spaces through lift-the-flap magic will delight tots. A soothing, sweet, and eager little book." - Kirkus Reviews