My Bedtime Monster by Annelies Schwarz and Kveta Pacovska (MinEdition Publishing)

With its trippy Sergeant-pepper-esque characters this is certainly one of the most original bedtime books we've seen in a long time. Let's dip inside "My Bedtime Monster" by Annelies Schwarz and Kveta Pacovska...
Books that not only draw a child's imagination but also inspire children to be imaginative are always a huge win with us and in "My Bedtime Monster", the story of a little girl's imagined perfect pet is woven into a delicious and surreal visual journey.

The girl demands the perfect pet - it must be big enough to stand up to bullies (and to offer rides on its back), small enough to fit in a pocket for those times when you need to sneak your pet into class or to the dinner table, but interesting enough to cause gasps of wonder from any who see it.

It's not much to ask is it?

The girl's wish is granted one night, and so begins an adventure across the night sky as the marvels of the world (and the dangers) unfold beneath the girl and her bedtime monster.

The gently lilting story is perfect bedtime fodder, while the hugely original and gloriously painted illustrations (complete with mirrored panels which dazzle and delight tiny hands and eyes) are beautiful,  colourful and child-like and also the perfect fit for this dreamy tale.

It's quite the dazzler, this one and stands out from the crowd of snoozy-time stories.

Charlotte's favourite bit: The incredible transforming mega-monster, the perfect pet for a curious and inquisitive little girl

Daddy's favourite bit: A hugely original bedtime story, one that really stands out from the crowd with stunning art and gentle narrative.

(Kindly sent to us for review by MinEdition Publishing)

"My Bedtime Monster"

Written by Annelies Schwarz

Illustrated by Kveta Pacovska

Published by MinEdition Publishing

Publication Date: September 2015