This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Carmen Tenorio for Readers' Favorite
The Sleep Switch by Laurie McMillan is a colorful and well-drawn read-along picture book that aims to help children practice self-relaxation to ensure a good night's sleep. It aids in developing focused relaxation for better rest and also helps children manage emotions, reduce stress, and improve attention. Based on the practice of mindfulness, the book teaches kids how to do basic breathing techniques and a guided body scan where the child intentionally pays attention to calming the different parts of the body until one is fully relaxed and about to drift off. It utilizes simple language and rhyming verses to make the process easy to remember.
Putting importance on sleeping and relaxation is a good habit that can lead to both a healthy body and mind. The Sleep Switch is also a great way for young kids to get acquainted with and recognize their bodies. Laurie McMillan's book is appealing due to its colorful illustrations by Walthmi de Zoysa that feature a diverse set of children tucked in their beds for every step of the relaxation process. The simple rhythmic pattern makes it easy for young readers to follow and comprehend the sequence. The attractive text font also changes in size depending on which body part to focus on. It should be an interactive experience for the child. Adults can see how kids respond to the instructions and how much they understand and learn on their own. Some may do it faster or slower than others, so patience and support for the child should be given by the grown-up. With regular practice, they will be able to work at their own pace until they can do it by themselves. Developing relaxation skills and body awareness can make a child more active, healthier, smarter, and happier. Recommended for parents, caregivers, educators, and anybody working with children.
