While You're Sleeping; Mick Jackson, illustrated by John Broadley

Have you ever wondered what goes on in the world while you’re fast asleep in bed? It may be dark outside but towns, cities, roads and seas are a hive of activity as people and animals are all hard at work under the blanket of darkness; baking, driving, sweeping, sorting, delivering, hunting, scavenging and cleaning are all happening. And around the world, other children are busily playing, learning, eating and reading. Because while you are sleeping the world never goes to bed…

While You’re Sleeping is a gorgeous picture book that brings to life a night-time world of activity that children might be completely unaware of. Every turn of the page is sure to be met with awe and wonder as readers see bakers baking fresh breads and cakes, doctors and nurses caring for patients, mail workers sorting the post, cleaners sweeping the streets, drivers delivering fresh produce and firefighters waiting for the bell to ring. Mums and dads tend to new-borns whilst nocturnal animals - foxes, owls, bats and hares - prowl the streets and countryside, on the hunt for food.

Written as a poetic non-fiction narrative and featuring sumptuous double page spreads, it is an utterly fascinating and mesmerising exploration of a hidden world that unless children have been out late at night and seen for themselves they will be experiencing for the very first time and there is something truly special and magical about that.

This treasure chest of delights, complete with beautiful cover and endpapers, is a wonderful read that opens children’s minds to all of the things that happen whilst they are sleeping. With its calm and soothing tone it is perfect for sharing together before sleepy heads drift off to sleep filled with magical dreams about everything wonderful that is happening in the world under the cover of darkness.

Recommended for 4+.