No More Naps by Chris Grabenstein & illus. by Leo Espinosa

Today’s review is part of the official blog tour. Be sure to keep reading for your chance to win a copy of this book!

I never thought a picture book written for children could instill so much fear into me, but as a mom-to-be expecting twins this spring, No More Naps by Chris Grabenstein & illustrated by Leo Espinosa sends a bolt of terror right to my heart.

The idea of one child refusing to take a nap is bad enough, but contemplating TWO little terrors refusing to sleep? *shudders in horror*

The upshot is that No More Naps is actually a complete joy to read. The book follows an exhausted father as he walks his daughter around town, trying to convince her to go to sleep. But with every nap she refuses, someone else is happy to take one in her stead. (At 6 months pregnant, I also volunteer to take one of those naps!) Pretty soon, everyone is napping — and when that little girl finally wants a nap of her own, all the naps are taken!

Don’t worry, parents — this story has a happy ending. (Spoiler alert: there’s a nap involved!)

Espinosa’s illustrations really shine throughout this entire book — capturing the raw, bedraggled appearance of a dad whose daughter refuses to nap, the stubborn attitude of a toddler who won’t sleep, and the charm and humor of everyone around town dozing off in her stead.

It’ll be a couple years before my kiddos will be old enough to enjoy this one, but I can’t wait to read it with my 4-year-old niece, who will no doubt bust into giggles while she reads along with me — especially once her baby cousins come into the picture and undoubtedly fight their own naps.

No More Naps is available now! Here is the full synopsis:

The #1 New York Times bestselling middle grade powerhouse of Lemoncello fame brings his wit and humor to a pint-sized audience in his picture book debut that turs the universal dilemna of getting kids to sleep on its head.

It’s time for a nap but, just like stubborn toddlers everywhere, Annalise Devin McFleece won’t have anything to do with bedtime. Dad tries to encourage sleepiness by pushing her around the park in her stroller. Along the way, they pass a man sitting on a bench, dog walkers walking dogs, a boy on a skateboard, kids playing ball, a girl practicing her juggling, and others. Each of them thinks that taking a nap is a great idea and if Annalise Devin McFleece doesn’t want hers, they’ll happy take it. And one by one, everyone falls asleep…except Annalise Devin McFleece. But when she’s finally ready for her nap, all the naps are taken! Is there anyone who has an extra nap to spare?

With every turn of the page, the busy city scene becomes more and more quiet…except for Annalise Devin McFleece.

Will she ever take a nap?

CHRIS GRABENSTEIN is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of ESCAPE FROM MR. LEMONCELLO’S LIBRARY, MR. LEMONCELLO’S LIBRARY OLYMPICS, THE ISLAND OF DR. LIBRIS, WELCOME TO WONDERLAND: HOME SWEET MOTEL and many other books, as well as the coauthor of numerous fun and funny page-turners with James Patterson, including I FUNNY, HOUSE OF ROBOTS, TREASURE HUNTERS, and JACKY HA-HA. Chris lives in New York City with his wife, J.J., two cats, and a dog named Fred. You can visit Chris at ChrisGrabenstein.com.

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About the Illustrator:

LEO ESPINOSA is a New York Times bestselling illustrator and designer from Bogotá, Colombia. His work has been featured in a variety of publications, products, animated series and gallery shows worldwide. His short list includes The New Yorker, Wired, Esquire, The New York Times, The Atlantic, Nickelodeon, Hasbro, American Greetings, and Facebook. Leo’s award-winning illustrations have been recognized by American Illustration, Communication Arts, Pictoplasma, 3×3, and the Society of Illustrators. In addition, he has given multiple lectures and workshops at schools and institutions such as Parsons School of Design and Pratt Institute as well as serving on the faculty of the Rhode Island School of Design. He lives with his family in Salt Lake City, Utah. Visit him at studioespinosa.com or follow him on Twitter @veloespinosa, Instagram studioespinosaworks.

3 winners will receive a finished copy of NO MORE NAPS; U.S. Only.

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Week One:

2/3/2020	Ziggy’s Reading Corner	Excerpt
2/4/2020	BookHounds YA	Excerpt
2/5/2020	Texan Girl Reviews	Excerpt
2/6/2020	She Dreams in Fiction	Review
2/7/2020	ChristenKrumm	Review