It's bedtime, but Sasha can't fall asleep because of the scary things she sees in her room. But she doesn't need to call her parents-- she's brave! She's strong! She's five!
Sasha has had Mama's stories and Papa's jokes and coffee kisses on both her cheeks, but she's not tired. So she makes a star with her flashlight, a car with one headlight, and a lighthouse that blinks on and off. She checks out the noises outside her window and sees the moon--it is like a giant eye staring right at her!
But when she closes her curtains, there are shadows and more noises and scary faces.
Instead of calling to her parents, Sasha handles each situation herself--because she's brave, she's strong, she's five--and finally, she's ready for sleep.
This energetic, gorgeously-illustrated bedtime book is perfect for young readers learning to conquer bedtime fears by themselves.
★ "Kulikov’s playful mixed media illustrations create hints of malice and magic in the night that are revealed through the child’s investigations. While there are other stories that deal with bedtime and the terrifying transformation of innocuous shapes in the night, this story stands out for its ability to break down bravery into small, manageable steps. . . . The protagonists’ fears and worries are completely relatable and readers will joyfully join in the refrain of, 'I’m brave! I’m strong! I’m five!' A first purchase for libraries serving young children."—School Library Journal, Starred Review
"Cinematic and bold, Kulikov’s crosshatched illustrations effectively use lighting to create and then dispel Sasha’s fearful imaginings. . . . Equal parts sincere and entertaining, this is a story that affirms and empowers children as they face their own bedtime fears. —The Horn Book
"The multimedia illustrations, with their interesting lighting effects, crosshatching that creates a rich surface effect, and deep nighttime colors, provide an appropriate setting for this engaging bedtime story. Just creepy enough to validate both fears and bravery." —Kirkus Reviews
"Best's story is a lively and reassuring take on developing autonomy and independence, and Sasha's bold, repeated assertion about her own abilities will be especially comforting to little ones. Kulikov's full-color, heavily crosshatched artwork adds to the night-time atmosphere, zooming in on expressive neighbors, shadowy creatures in corners, and the warm glow of Sasha's flashlight, which helps debunk her fears."—Booklist
