Time for Bed, Isobel, by David Bedford & Leonie Worthington

“It’s time for bed, Isobel.”
“I don’t want to go to bed,” said Isobel. I want to be with you.”
“You will be with me,” said Mum. “I’ll be here reading my book.”…
“I’ll read my book,” said Isobel. And she did.

Isobel isn’t keen on going to bed. There is too much happening. She wants to do whatever Mum is doing – reading a book, picking up toys, doing exercises. But when Mum gets tired and lies down in Isobel’s bed, Isobel decides perhaps she is better off having the bed to herself.

Time for Bed, Isobel is a fun, affectionate story about bedtime, sure to ring true with parents of toddlers, who know the games toddlers will play to get out of going to bed. Artist Leonie Worthington (well known for her work on the Bananas in Pyjamas picture books), uses warm blues, pinks and purples, as well as splashes of sunshine yellow to give the illustrations a gentle feel, and her portrayal of Isobel and Mum as panda bears is delightful.

This is a lovely bedtime story.

Time for Bed, Isobel, by David Bedford & Leonie Worthington
Little Hare Books, 2006