Synopsis
Oliver Donnington Rimington-Sneep
COULDN'T and DIDN'T and WOULD NOT SLEEP!
And why should he? As soon as his parents shut his door, Oliver's off on all kinds of explorations: painting and reading, drawing and racing -- and a little trip to Mars for good measure. But his explorations end where all explorations should: safe at home, in a warm bed . . . asleep.
For every parent with an Oliver (or Olivia) in their lives, and every child seeking a little fun before shut-eye, OLIVER WHO WOULD NOT SLEEP is the perfect bedtime adventure.
Children's Literature
As Bergman explains, "Oliver Donnington Rimington-Sneep liked staying awake more than going to sleep." So instead of sleeping, he paints, draws and reads. Then, he goes on an imaginative adventure when he blasts off in a rocket to Mars. He is not scared when he lands on the faraway planet, but when he feels cold, he sees his house across the miles and wants to go back home. He flies through outer space until he is back in his room with his stuffed animals. Then, with a big stretch and a yawn, he finally falls asleep. This lyrical rhyme is a fine bedtime story for preschoolers. Oliver's simple adventure provides some suspense without being overly stimulating, and the rest of the story draws slowly to the cozy and comfortable conclusion. The soft rhyme is smooth and simple and sounds musical when it is read aloud. The appealing illustrations are large and the colors are all soothing pale pastels. Reviewer: Vicki Foote