Updated: June 16, 2021
Originally Published: August 28, 2015
As a parent, I often find myself desperately seeking solutions to my kids’ bedtime struggles. So, when I stumbled upon the buzz surrounding The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep, a book touted for its magical ability to lull children to sleep, I didn’t hesitate to grab a copy off Amazon. I was thrilled, eagerly awaiting the delivery while dreaming of cozy evenings with my kids peacefully asleep by 8 p.m.
When the package finally arrived, I was greeted by a surprisingly slim volume. “Ah, self-published,” I thought, immediately curious. But then I encountered a rather peculiar warning right at the outset: “Warning! Never read this book out loud close to someone driving any type of vehicle.” Okay, that’s unusual.
The book includes a whole page of reading instructions, filled with tips like “ensure you won’t be interrupted” and “read from start to finish, even if your child dozes off.” Sure, if my child falls asleep, I doubt I’ll keep reading, but I set that aside for now. Then came the fine print—a disclaimer stating that the author and publisher bear no responsibility for the book’s effects. That left me feeling more than a little uneasy.
Still, I put on a brave face and cuddled up with my kids for storytime. My four-year-old, tired after a long day, seemed to be responding to the book. I followed the instructions about voice modulation, using bold words for emphasis and italics for a fairy-tale tone. However, by the time I reached the fourth page, I had read nearly 1,000 words, all the while navigating strange illustrations that reminded me of my college days filled with bizarre art and odd fantasies.
Then there was “Uncle Yawn,” a character who possesses some “magical sleeping powder.” Really? This is supposed to help my children sleep?
As I attempted to engage my kids with the story, my two-year-old suddenly erupted with a loud “STOP READING!” Apparently, she was not a fan of being told to relax. I gave it another shot the following night, but the result was the same—my kids were more interested in Jack and the Beanstalk than this so-called sleep aid.
If you’re someone who believes in hypnosis or is simply desperate to get your little ones to sleep, you might consider giving this book a try. But don’t expect an engaging narrative or charming illustrations. For some alternatives, check out this excellent resource on intrauterine insemination and consider checking out this reputable online retailer for home insemination kits. For more insights on parenting challenges, don’t forget to visit one of our other blog posts.
Summary
In short, while The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep has garnered rave reviews, I found it to be more creepy than comforting, lacking an engaging storyline. If you’re looking for something to help with bedtime, you may want to keep searching.
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