The tortoise who wanted to sleep

Description

The tortoise is very sleepy and is going to sleep all winter. When he’s already in bed, after going through the ritual for him to sleep (brushing his teeth, putting on his nightgown, straightening the sheets…), someone knocks at the door. They’re his friends with presents (a nightcap, a pear cake, a blanket…) to keep him company through the long sleep that awaits him. Friendship is important and the tortoise thanks them all, but each time he is even more tired and the only thing he wants is for them to leave him alone so that he can sleep… It’s very common in infancy being afraid of the night, and the dark, and the restlessness when it’s time to go to sleep; this is why it is important that the reader identifies with the characters that present the experience as something calming, and recognizes the need for rest and silence as a pleasant state of being. This tale is made up of rhymes, repetitions, enumerations and in simple language for the younger readers. The play of onomatopoeias, backed up through the illustrations, gives a ludic tone to the narrative and mark a rhythm in which the listeners can participate. The younger readers can follow the story through the illustrations, full of tenderness and humour, with Alessandra Cimatoribus’ own and unmistakable style, where the likeable tortoise and his friends will win the affection of the reader, because of his friendly nature and great expression. An album to strengthen healthy habits and to complete the before-going-to-bed rituals telling a story before being overcome by sleep. Text by Roberto Aliaga Illustrations by Alessandra Cimatoribus Translation by Mark W. Heslop