Arlo the Lion Who Couldnt Sleep

Arlo the Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep
by Catherine Rayner

Lions need a lot of sleep, but restless Arlo just can’t manage to doze off. It’s always too hot or cold, too noisy or quiet, and he can’t get comfy in the prickly grass. When he confides in his friend Owl about his sleeping woes, she gives him a few pointers and sings a special song. As she sings, he imagines the places he’d like to see and the things he’d do there, and his eyelids grow heavy at last…

After a long day of school, play, and digital distractions, many children find it difficult to clear their minds and settle down for the night. Put those bedtime troubles to rest with Arlo and Owl in this gentle new picture book from award-winning author-illustrator Catherine Rayner. A memorable rhyme and practical tips for mindfulness are sure to be valuable additions to your nightly ritual. Rayner’s rich, ombre backgrounds and sleepy-eyed characters are a visual treat and reflect the cozy, melodic text. Perfect for anyone struggling to get comfortable and nod off, Arlo the Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep is a soothing reassurance that sleep will come.

Take an early look at the beautiful illustrations in this gentle new picture book in this excerpt.

Catherine Rayner hopes Arlo will “make falling asleep a pleasure” for young readers. Read more about her inspiration and writing process in this author Q&A.

“Spellbinding…alluringly tranquil… Gentle and gorgeous.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“Rayner’s soothing language effectively sets the stage for addressing a frequent childhood problem… The lullaby portion of the story appears in wavy lines, emphasizing its lyric qualities. Rayner’s full-bleed mixed-media spreads skillfully depict the flora and fauna of an African savanna. She makes good use of vivid hues for the sky…many will find it a welcome soporific.” —Booklist

Relax along with Arlo and his friends in Arlo the Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep this October at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble, and don’t forget to check out the rest of our brand-new Fall 2020 titles as well as our picture books and middle grade titles coming to Peachtree this season in paperback!