No One Slept

3.5

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Author(s)

Rafael Sica

Co-Authors / Illustrators

Druna Dantas Lobato

Publisher

Tapioca Stories

Genre(s)

Age Range

Release Date

September 30, 2025

ISBN

979-8988749967

Buy This Book

No One Slept is a celebration of storytelling and a bedtime story for everyone―even restless ghosts.

No One Slept is a captivating children's book that doubles as a bedtime story for ghosts. Set in a hauntingly picturesque home, the story revolves around Little Kooky, a fearless little girl who helps her family and even the neighbor's dog fall asleep by sharing enchanting tales from her books. Without her, no one in the house would sleep.

This intriguing book evokes memories of sleepless nights and childhood fears, showcasing the power of stories to soothe even the most frightened residents in a haunted house. No One Slept is a story about insomnia, sleep, noise, silence, fear, death, life, family, home, and the supernatural, all through the lens of Little Kooky's reading adventures.

A leading figure in contemporary Brazilian comics, Rafael Sica is known for his illustrated books for adults. With this stunning picture book, he makes his debut in children's literature. Sica's illustrations, inspired by his hometown of Pelotas in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, add a layer of mystery that deepens the charm of this exceptional story.

Editor review

1 review

A ghostly tale

December 05, 2025 (Updated: June 19, 2026)

Overall rating

3.5

Plot

3.0

Characters

3.0

Writing Style

3.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

5.0

What worked:
The illustrations are the highlight, even though they are drawn in shades of black, white, and gray. They depict a ghost’s haunting to keep the household awake, and young Kooky’s efforts to help all of her relatives fall asleep. Somehow, the pictures communicate a descriptive story without being too detailed. Some of them use negative space to represent trees in the outdoor setting. The specter is drawn more simply than the living characters, but that helps to display its mystique. The narrative, translated from Portuguese, describes the ghostly problem, and then Kooky’s idea to tell bedtime stories. The simple plot is perfect for young, emerging readers.
What didn’t work as well:
Amazon lists this book for ages eight and above, with the suggested grade levels being 1st and 2nd grades. It’s for a younger audience, since able readers can complete it in under five minutes. The book doesn’t share any of Kooky’s “enchanting tales”, which might have made the book more appropriate for middle grade.
The final verdict:
The book isn’t as effective as a middle-grade story, but it works well for a younger audience. I suggest the emerging readers give it a try.