A wonderful little book - just right for bedtime stories
27/07/2000
Simon Jackson
Peace at Last by Jill Murphy is a wonderful little book that is just right for bedtime stories. It's the tale of a drowsy Mr Bear as his attempts at sleep are disrupted by Mrs Bear's snoring, baby Bear's playing, clocks and cats, taps and owls (something no matter how old, we can all relate to). The text is easy to follow and the artwork is ideal for little ones. My four-year-old twins - Lucy and Joshua - adore this book, it was one of their first and we'll be reading it long after others have lost their appeal.
What a lovely story!
18/04/2003
Clare McLaughlin
Colin Buchanan read this on Play School (Australia) this week and I had to go and find out what it was. It's such a lovely idea. Kind of reminiscent of Maurice Sendak in drawing style and a beautiful, gentle story. My kids really liked it (they're 2 and 4) and I'm sure yours will too.
A Masterpiece
17/08/2007
Nina Ray
This book was first published in 1980, in some respects way ahead of its time. It appeals to children and mom & dad alike, just like best modern kids films do.
In my family, this was the first `proper' book our oldest daughter took to at about eighteen months when no others seemed to spark anything more than lukewarm interest. She loved it straight away and it remains one of her favorites a year later.
There are plenty of opportunities for your child to `get involved' in the storytelling in a very natural way. For example shouting out many of memorable, simple lines: "Oh NO, I can't stand THIS" through to: "Peace at last!" And our daughter loves to mimic the sounds that play a key part of the book e.g. tick-tock of the clock, drip-drip of the tap, and the NYAAOW of Baby Bear's imaginary plane.
We've even had humorous moments with my wife when she started ad-libbing about how pathetic Mr. Bear is! I was honor bound to put forward the case for the defence. It's a surefire, all-round winner. Yeah, I think it's a masterpiece.
Not a favorite
15/09/2008
Ulyyf
Oh, there's nothing wrong with it, but my nieces ignore all attempts at audience participation and it just doesn't interest them. *shrugs*