Fun Books for Reading at Bedtime
Recent reviews of a book for older children have made observations such as the following:
'I'm still not sure whether this book is geared toward children or adults. Maybe both. It was an utterly delightful read with lots of laugh out loud moments as the author weaves fantasy and legend with actual history.'
And another reviewer wrote:
'A completely humorous fantasy adventure that is great for young readers transitioning from picture books to "real" books. Each chapter is a complete story in of itself which is perfect for its target audience. Parents who read this aloud to their children are sure to get a laugh out of it.'
Both reviewers identified an essential attribute of a book at bedtime: a book to be read with and to a young person who is still striving to perfect the art of reading, that it should be a good read for both child and parent.
Older children are directed by teachers and encouraged by parents to do most of their reading for themselves, but for some time an older child may remain reluctant to forego the great pleasure of being read to by a parent before sleeping. At the same time, parents are only human, and may feel that enough time has already been spent on children's stories. So the next generation of books for reading together needs to provide some interest for parents as well as entertainment for their offspring. The reviewers quoted above both discerned this quality in the book under review.
A book written for older children can contain many jokes that are shared, and a few which only Mum or Dad might appreciate. But nothing provokes questioning like a joke missed, and a parental chuckle can lead to an enlightening discussion. Jokes that are missed by children are often concerned with adult attitudes to life and work: knowledge that needs to be gained through adolescence. It is always beneficial for a children's book to stimulate questions, and laughter from mum or dad is a trigger that children's authors can employ to this end.
However, in the last analysis, it is the jokes that are shared that provoke the longest laughs and these must predominate in books at bedtime. Laughter is said to be the best medicine, and although it might not always be considered the best sedative, it is far better than an open question. So if questions arise during the bedtime story it is best for the answer to be buried by many quiet chuckles before the goodnight kiss. A joke or two for mum and dad might help prolong the bedtime reading but it is the fun that is shared that induces the most pleasant dreams.
Saint George, Rusty Knight, and Monster Tamer is a series of nine self-contained historical short stories which introduces George, a hapless knight who has an unusual skill for monster taming, and which, with wit and delightful aplomb takes the young reader on an adventurous journey though some significant moments in history.
Historical Novel Society, February 2016
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