Book Review – "Chengdu Could Not, Would Not Fall Asleep"

Chengdu Could Not, Would Not Fall Asleep written and illustrated by Barney Saltzberg is about a small panda who should be asleep and wants to be asleep, but can’t fall asleep.  And as he tosses, turns, and twitches the book has fold out pages to show just how hard Chengdu is trying to fall asleep.
The illustrations work perfectly with the text, maybe because the author and illustrator are the same person making the images and words flow together.  Although the story is set in the dead of night, the color is still bright with green bamboo and the black and white of the panda.  His facial expressions show just how distraught he is about not sleeping, until he finds the perfect place to sleep – on top of his brother!
This story would make a wonderful read aloud one-on-one or with a large group in storytime.  The illustrations are quite large, the words flow easily and preschoolers would understand Chengdu’s plight and commiserate with him!  The humor would also not be lost on this age group as well!  This is a book that will definitely be added to my storytime list as well as a great recommendation for a funny preschool age story.
Learn more about Barney Saltzberg by visiting his website!  Check out the book trailer for this story as well!
Title: Chengdu Could Not, Would Not Fall Asleep
Author & I llustrator: Barney Saltzberg
Publisher: Disney Hyperion Books
Publication Date: 2014