How to Make a Night

Written by Linda Ashman, Illustrated by Tricia Tusa.
HarperCollins, 2004. 0060290323.

Reviews & Honors

New York Public Library’s 100 Titles for Reading & Sharing, 2004

Eric Carle Museum Picture Book of Distinction, 2004

“Ashman uses rhyme and rhythm masterfully. [A] captivating collaboration. ” —Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews

“[A] delightfully weird fantasy.” —Starred Review, The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“A recipe for putting our busy lives to sleep at night would be worth a million and so is this book.” —Children’s Literature

“This creative, beautifully executed bounce of a bedtime tale is fun to read any hour of the day. . . As charming as it is original.” —School Library Journal

“In this fanciful picture book, Ashman’s portrait of a frazzled family begins with pandemonium and ends with bedtime hugs.” —Publishers Weekly

“For everyone who has had a bad day comes this innovative story about ending it by bringing on the night.” —Booklist

About this Story

Bike blew a tire.
Boat sprang a leak.
Scooter’s in the gutter.
Sneaker’s in the creek.

Train skipped the track.
Cat spilled the juice.
Cake’s on the floor.
Snake’s on the loose.

Papa’s hair is haywire.
Mama’s face is pale.
Pup is in the corner
with his head beneath his tail.

Time to settle down!
Time to clean the mess!
Time to bring the night around
so everyone can rest.

Ever have a day like this?

Like most parents, I had LOTS of them when Jackson was little. I would be so weary by late afternoon that I would begin fantasizing about night time, when I could rest . . . which, of course, led to this story.

With one child (and no snakes), my house never looked QUITE like Tricia Tusa’s wildly imaginative illustrations (even though it may have felt like it at times). I love how Tricia’s dynamic little girl takes command and brings a peaceful night to this wacky household.