A creepy take on Toy Story. Thank goodness for the brave little lion who steps up on his first night as a bedtime toy.

I read a bunch of Alexis Deacon books this week because I was blown away by his graphic novel [b:Geis: A Matter of Life and Death|25330082|Geis A Matter of Life and Death|Alexis Deacon|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1449532832s/25330082.jpg|45065352]. His picture books aren't nearly as good, with this odd duck being the best of the lot. ( )

49 months - we enjoyed the author's book Beegu a lot more. ( )

These are the guardians of the night. Defenders of the sleepers to ward off evil doings. Although I thought the book was cute, I find the content to be disturbing to very young readers. This book kind of ties to the whole Toy Story franchise in that inanimate objects suddenly gain life once humans are away from the premises. In the story, the unknown sleeper is protected by her/his stuff animals. They defend against bad dreams and even bed bugs. Who wouldn't want those toys as friends? While they go about their nightly patrol, the sleeper is sleeping safely and soundly. ( )

In this third picture-book from English children's author and artist Alexis Deacon - the first two were Slow Loris and Beegu - a child's stuffed animals come to life at night, and perform many important tasks in protecting her, before reverting to their motionless state, just before she awakens in the morning. From crushing bed bugs (thankfully not depicted!) to adjusting the girl's covers, depending on whether she is too warm or cold, the toys make sure that their young human charge sleeps well...

An engaging book, one that provides a sweet "living toy" story - something young children tend to appreciate - and that boasts lovely, atmospheric illustrations, While You Are Sleeping answers that age-old childhood question: what do my toys do, when I'm sleeping? Do they, perhaps, come alive? Gentle in tone, with frightening realities - bedbugs, dreams - mentioned, but safely "off screen," this tale makes for an excellent bedtime story. ( )

The toys, at night, awake to check every corner and under the bed to make sure you are safe. ( )