The Big Bed
Author: Bunmi Laditan
Illustrator: Tom Knight
Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers
6 February 2018
32 pages
This month’s PB review is by Ryan G. Van Cleave (Top Banana at Only Picture Books) and Ringling College of Art and Design Illustration Professor John Herzog.
–Ryan’s Review of the Writing–
“Mommy. We have to talk,” says the protagonist of The Big Bed, a little cutie who’s All Business when it comes to getting what she wants: Daddy ousted from the bed that she and Mommy will share. It’s a fun twist on the age-old issue of kids climbing into their parents’ bed at night.
This girl’s part carnival barker, part late-night infomercial salesman, and part too-cute-to-resist little kid. Who can blame her, though? Moms ARE “full of cozies” and plenty DO smell just like fresh bread. Few parents will be able to resist when the kid quite reasonably asks: “Who wouldn’t want to cuddle with her?”
What makes the language sing is the unexpected combination of formal, argumentative prose coupled with kidspeak. And Laditan does a fine job of keeping this self-assertive girl’s attitude in check–it could quite easily get annoying if less skillfully managed. This is a clever, fun book.
Ladaitan’s third book is well worth reading and will deliver giggles and guffaws for both parents and kids alike.
4.25 out of 5 pencils
–John’s Review of the Illustrations–
I think everyone can relate to the central conflict of The Big Bed, which involves a little girl formally presenting reasons why her father should slumber elsewhere at bedtime. And the stylish illustrations by Tom Knight make it even more relatable and, more importantly, fun.
The treatment of the characters and the way they interact with each other are key throughout. As the little girl makes her case to dad, for example, she comes off as both a motivational speaker and a mob boss. And, of course, dad is seated on a small, plastic child’s chair that’s buckling a bit. Even minor characters like the cat and Grandma (specifically the pictures on Grandma’s wall) provide Easter eggs for repeated readings, which is always something I appreciate.
Bold colors, smart framing, and a fun style make The Big Bed a joy to both look at and read. Highly recommended.
4 out of 5 crayons
John Herzog is an illustrator and character designer. He also teaches illustration classes at Ringling College of Art and Design. He lives in Florida with his wife, two kids, a pair of tarantulas, and a fish.