Oh, Are You Awake?

This contentious going-to-sleep sequence between two appealing characters has all the right ingredients for sharing aloud, whether it is time for bed or simply time for a story. * The Horn Book *Jarvis (Together with You) riffs on impeccable comic beats from Shea (Chez Bob) using naif-style digital artwork whose elements feel handmade—Lion’s circular mane embodies crayon-like textures, while Penguin is rendered in what looks like feathered ink. It’s a funny, visually playful bedtime battle of wills in which both beings get the resolution of their dreams. * Publishers Weekly *The pals’ back and forth will be recognizable to any kid/caregiver duo who’ve wrestled with bedtime routines, though this picture book eschews the adult role’s strict bossiness for sweet silliness, making it clear that Penguin has just as much a penchant for fun as Lion—just not before sleeping. Digital illustrations have an inviting, childlike style… A candy-colored palette cleverly references Penguin’s desire for “sweet” dreams, and the smudges and dapples evoke an ethereal feel, in contrast to the more solid and saturated tones of Penguin and Lion’s reality… this is prime material for readers’ theatre, especially if one can find a few props for the dream sequences. * The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books *In this tale from two veteran picture-book creators, a wide-awake lion demanding bedtime stories from a sleepy penguin takes center stage… the funny alternating dialogue (Penguin’s in black, Lion’s in blue) and soft digital illustrations sure to spur young listeners’ imaginations make for an entertaining bedtime romp… Enticement into dreamland for children requesting just one more bedtime story. * Kirkus Reviews *In this riotously funny take on bedtime stalling, two friends, a lion and a penguin, have a conflict… . The deft strokes of Jarvis’ sweet illustrations create a sense of the sounds and movements that keep waking Penguin—until Penguin finally comes up with a surprise resolution that gives Lion a story and sends him to sleep. Charming. * Booklist *

Bob Shea is the author, illustrator, or author-illustrator of many picture books and chapter books, including the Ballet Cat and Dinosaur vs. series as well as I Am a Baby; Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great; Unicorn Is Maybe Not So Great After All; Crash, Splash, Moo!; and Who Wet My Pants?, illustrated by Zachariah OHora. Bob Shea’s characters and animations have appeared on Nickelodeon Jr., Playhouse Disney, and PBS KIDS. He lives in Connecticut, USA.

Jarvis studied Graphic Design and previously worked as a record sleeve designer, website designer and an animation director before becoming a children’s bookmaker. His books with Walker include The Boy with Flowers in His Hair, Follow Me, Flo!, Tropical Terry, Mrs Mole, I’m Home! and Alan’s Big, Scary Teeth, which won the V&A Best Illustrated Book. He is also the illustrator of the much-loved “Pick a …” series written by Patricia Toht, Pick a Pine Tree, Pick a Pumpkin and Pick a Perfect Egg. Jarvis lives in Manchester with his wife and their dog and cat.