Jake Stays Awake

by: Michael Wright

Published by: Feiwel and Friends

Reviewed by Jamie Driggers

Jake has trouble sleeping—when he’s alone, that is. And though he can sack out when he’s in bed with his parents, they get no rest. Sound familiar?

In Jake Stays Awake, Jake and his parents are in a battle of wits. They can’t sleep with him–and he can’t sleep without them. Who will win? They’ll happily sleep with him anywhere but in their bed (which only has room for two). Can they sleep on the roof? In the kitchen? On the stairs? In the bathtub? The trash? The car? Though Jake’s parents seem to be able to sleep, Jake just can’t. Is there anyplace he can catch a few zzzzs? And then he thinks of just the place.

Jake Stays Awake is a lively story to which (nearly) every parent can relate. Is there a solution to the family bed? And though I doubt that most parents will be willing to do the gymnastics that Jake’s parents go through, most will find the humor in it anyway.

The text has a nice rhyming cadence that, unfortunately, does get clunky a time or two on the read aloud. The illustrations are full page and full color and complement the text well. In fact, they probably make the book. What looks like simplistic characterization, really presents quite a bit of detail that kids and adults will enjoy pouring over to find something to giggle about. All in all, this is a nice picture book debut for Michael Wright.

Armchair Interviews says: Now watch for Jake Starts School.

Author’s Web site: http://www.MichaelWrightland.com