Review Detail
Middle Grade Non-Fiction
363
More than counting sheep
(Updated: June 03, 2026)
Overall rating
4.0
Writing Style
4.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
4.0
Learning Value
4.0
Tweens LOVE to sleep these days, but do they know the benefits that sleep has for their growing bodies? Why Do We Sleep? takes a surprisingly deep dive into the science and psychology of sleep for middle grade audiences in this large format, picture book style nonfiction title.
There is a helpful table of contents for navigating the book, although there is not index or source notes. The explanation of circadian rhythms might be new information for young readers, as will the different sleep stages. Several pages are devoted to why the brain dreams, and includes possible explanations for some common dream topics. There are descriptions of different sleep styles around the world; I'm glad I don't work in Japan, because falling asleep at my desh would not be a pleasant experience!
There is helpful information about different types of insomnia, and the reasons some people might suffer from it, as well as two pages of different sleep disorders like narcolepsy and restless leg syndrome. Sleepwalking and night terrors are also discussed. Some attention is given to the sleep habits of animals, as well as to their dreams. New parents might take some comfort in knowing that orca mothers and babies don't sleep at all for the first month, since the baby needs to keep swimming in order to stay warm and afloat!
There is a helpful table of contents for navigating the book, although there is not index or source notes. The explanation of circadian rhythms might be new information for young readers, as will the different sleep stages. Several pages are devoted to why the brain dreams, and includes possible explanations for some common dream topics. There are descriptions of different sleep styles around the world; I'm glad I don't work in Japan, because falling asleep at my desh would not be a pleasant experience!
There is helpful information about different types of insomnia, and the reasons some people might suffer from it, as well as two pages of different sleep disorders like narcolepsy and restless leg syndrome. Sleepwalking and night terrors are also discussed. Some attention is given to the sleep habits of animals, as well as to their dreams. New parents might take some comfort in knowing that orca mothers and babies don't sleep at all for the first month, since the baby needs to keep swimming in order to stay warm and afloat!
Good Points
Many children would benefit from the tips on how to sleep better, which include staying away from screens, establishing a routine, and living a healthy lifestyle. A helpful flow chart walks readers through some actions they might take. It was interesting to see that I my chronotype is a "lion" because I go to bed early and also wake up early. Most of my students seem to be wolves, since they like to sleep in.
From the endpapers decorated with starry night skies to the scary black and blue backgrounds on the night terrors pages, the illustrations are largely dark, which are quite befitting to a book about sleep! The text on these pages is white, which makes it easier to read. There are some pages in brighter colors, and all have a jam-packed, collage type feel to them. My favorite is the illustration of a mother bear and her two cubs curled up for hibernation under a snowy landscape that shows smaller animals in neighboring burrows. There are also a number of sheep hidden throughout the pages for the readers to count... although, hopefully, this will not put them to sleep!
From the endpapers decorated with starry night skies to the scary black and blue backgrounds on the night terrors pages, the illustrations are largely dark, which are quite befitting to a book about sleep! The text on these pages is white, which makes it easier to read. There are some pages in brighter colors, and all have a jam-packed, collage type feel to them. My favorite is the illustration of a mother bear and her two cubs curled up for hibernation under a snowy landscape that shows smaller animals in neighboring burrows. There are also a number of sheep hidden throughout the pages for the readers to count... although, hopefully, this will not put them to sleep!
Comments
Already have an account? Log in now or Create an account
Latest Additions
GET A YABC BUTTON!
We have all sorts of YABC buttons for your website. Grab one here and link to YABC!