About the Holiday
Pillow fights are fluffy fun that’s more about laughing than combat. Once only enjoyed by siblings, at sleepovers, and to delay bedtime, pillow fights have become the stuff (stuffing?) of mass swatfests worldwide. So grab your pillow, swing with all your might, and let the feathers fly!
SnoozeFest
Written by Samantha Berger | Illustrated by Kristyna Litten
Snuggleford Cuddlebun is the sleepiest sloth in Snoozeville. “Now that sloth can sleep, for a month at a go. / The few time she rises, she moves in slo-mo.” But there is one annual event that sets her heart—and her feet—racing enough to leave her cozy bed—SnoozeFest. “This is the place where the best sleepers go / to snore their way through this naptacular show.” So Snuggleford packs up her her jammies and teddy, her pillow and book and joins the other great sleepers on the bus that will take them to the NuzzleDome.
Image copyright Kristyn Litten. courtesy of Dial Books for Young Readers, Penguin
As Snuggleford looks for the best place to camp, she sees that she’s in good company. The wildcats, wombats, koala bears, brown bats, squirrels, and armadillos are also setting up tents, laying down sleeping bags, and lounging in hammocks—which is Snuggleford’s favorite too. After finding her spot “she strolls through the stands / for posters and T-shirts / and swag from the bands.” Soon it’s time for the show to begin with the P. J. Parade, where sleepwear from such designers as Diane von FirstInBed and Louis Futon are on full display.
Image copyright Kristyn Litten. courtesy of Dial Books for Young Readers, Penguin
“Then all the big spotlights dim down in the Dome, / and everyone turns on their night-light from home.” The first band to perform is the “Chamomile Rage” and although the crowd is half asleep by the middle of the first song, “the snoozers yawn deeply, yet still clap for more. / The second act’s also a guaranteed snore.” Then “a poet named Burrows recites a haiku / and imitates rain with his didgeridoo.” More acts take the stage—the Nocturnal Nesters and the Quiet Quartet, Tranquility Trio and the Drowsy Duet. Yes, “These are the best bands for deep relaxation, / followed by Sweet Dreams and Deep Hiber-Nation.”
For Snuggleford Cuddlebun the concert is all she could want. In fact, “Several days later the SnoozeFest is done. / And who’s still asleep? Why it’s Miss Cuddlebun.” She folds up her things, tosses away her trash, and rides the bus back home. There she climbs into bed and shuts her eyes and dreams of next year’s SnoozeFest.
Image copyright Kristyn Litten. courtesy of Dial Books for Young Readers, Penguin
Samantha Berger’s SnoozeFest is one of the cutest, most original bedtime books around. With wit and charm Berger makes full use of the festival setting and experience. Her inspired rhymes, adorable band names, and atmosphere that combines just the right amount of excitement and slumber-inducing lilt, will delight kids of all ages and adults as well. From Snoozeville to the NuzzleDome to a full verse of blanket nicknames, Berger has come up with the “wumphiest, coziest, comfiest” words to send little ones off to dreamland.
Image copyright Kristyn Litten. courtesy of Dial Books for Young Readers, Penguin
Krisyna Litten’s illustrations, designed with a vintage-yet-modern air and color palette, are the perfect accompaniment to Berger’s story. Anyone would love to join Litten’s sweet Snuggleford and the other “great sleepers” at SnoozeFest. Snuggleford’s endearing slothy smile and the joyful camaraderie of the other festival goers invite kids to explore every page. The crowd consists of loveable moles, koalas, raccoons, bears, foxes, porcupines, and more adult and baby animals enjoying the show. Two-page spreads of the darkened festival grounds lit by nightlights and starlight are gorgeous, peaceful landscapes of blues and gold that set a sleepy tone for little readers.
SnoozeFest would be a very welcome addition to any child’s bookshelf for story times and bed times, and would make a perfect gift.
Ages 3 – 7
Dial Books for Young Readers, Penguin, 2015 | ISBN 978-0803740464
You’ll have plenty of fun discovering lots of books, Nickelodeon videos, and more creative stuff by Samantha Berger on her website!
You can catch up with Krisyna Litten on her blog!
You won’t want to snooze through this book trailer!
International Pillow Fight Day Activity
Perfect Pillow Case
Decorating your own pillow case gives you distinction during any pillow fight—and guarantees sweet dreams while sleeping too!
Supplies
- White, or single-color pillow case
- Fabric markers
- Cardboard or newspaper
Directions
- Iron or smooth out the pillow case
- Insert cardboard or newspapers inside the pillow case to keep markers from bleeding through
- Design and color your pillow case with the markers
Picture Book Review
celebratepicturebooks.com 