Anyone who has ever had a toddler will be able to identify with “No Nap,” a picture book by Eve Bunting.
Dad is trying to get Susie to have her nap, but she insists that she’s not tired. Clever Dad – he’ll take her on a walk to wear her out. They both put on their jackets and head out into the chilly air. They go all the way around the block and then back home again. But Susie insists that she’s still not tired.
Well, Dad has another idea. They’ll dance! Dancing should make Susie good and tired. He turns on the record player (yes, this book is a little dated, but it’s still cute!) and they dance and dance. But Susie still isn’t tired.
So Dad suggests that they exercise. They do push-ups, and windmills, and then they stand on their heads. But Susie still isn’t tired.
Poor Dad is starting to get frustrated and a little grumpy, too. He tells Susie that they are going to read a story, and sing a song, and then she is going to lie down. He promised Mommy that she would take a nap. But Susie’s still not interested.
Daddy decides to pretend to go to sleep, and he invites Susie to lay down next to him. But she needs a drink, and her balloon, and her hat . . . soon the bed is covered with all Susie’s stuff. Dad is all worn out by now and he lays down. And then he starts to snore.
A moment later, Mommy comes home and sees the horrendous mess. Susie tells her not to wake up Daddy, because Daddy’s sleeping. But Susie still doesn’t want her nap.
This was a cute storybook. I did take small issue with the way that Susie always refers to herself as “Susie” – I know a lot of authors do that when they are putting words in a small child’s mouth, but you know, I don’t know a single child who refers to themselves by name. Maybe I’m just weird that way. But you know, I’m starting to think that maybe I need to go take a nap.
(This book was published in 1989 by Clarion Books and was illustrated by Susan Meddaug.)
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