Kitty Cat, Kitty Cat, Are You Going to Sleep?

Michael Sampson lives with his family in Commerce, Texas. His picture books include Caddie the Golf Dog and Trick or Treat. When he’s not busy writing, he’s visiting schools and speaking at conferences. He and Bill Martin Jr. revised the first edition of Chicken Chuck, originally published in 1946 and illustrated by Bill’s brother, Bernard Martin.Bill Martin Jr (1916–2004) wrote many beloved books for children, some of which have become classics. He authored more than 200 titles in his lifetime, including Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?; Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?; and Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? He also collaborated on a number of well-known books with author and educator Michael Sampson, including Chicka Chicka 1 2 3 and I Pledge Allegiance.

“In this cheerful follow-up to Kitty Cat, Kitty Cat, Are You Waking Up? a rambunctious gray kitten has plenty of excuses for not getting ready for bed, despite Mother’s persistence. When she inquires, ‘Kitty Cat, Kitty Cat,/did you wash your face?’ bathtubbing Kitty Cat plays with a rocket ship and replies, ‘Not yet, Mother,/I’m in outer space’. And when she asks if Kitty Cat has brushed her teeth, the pajama-clad Kitty hides under Mother’s lounge chair, clawing at the fabric, ‘Not yet, Mother/come look underneath!’ But story time and lullabies finally have Kitty Cat relenting, ‘Okay, Mother,/I guess it’s time for bed.’ Bryant depicts Kitty Cat and Mother’s nightly rituals with soothing watercolor and colored pencils spreads, while Martin and Sampson’s call-and-response verse is upbeat, even while the action simmers down as bedtime approaches. Those who similarly postpone the inevitable will relate to the feline’s playful protest, and close-up images of Kitty Cat curled in a cozy pile of patterned blankets will have even adamant bedtime-naysayers stifling yawns.” —Publishers Weekly“A simple rhyming exchange alternates between parent and child as it playfully follows the usual bedtime routine and stall tactics. Mother is mostly heard, not seen, but shows infinite patience in getting her young one to bed. Kitty Cat moves from her energetic delays, ‘I know, Mother,/Let’s play peekaboo!’ to quiet agreement, ‘Okay, Mother,/I guess it’s time for bed.’ Adorable colored pencil and watercolor illustrations support the conversation and take Kitty from wide awake to sleeping sooo tight. The soft palette and simple details have the perfect calming effect. This bedtime choice is best shared with cuddles and be ready to start the day with the companion title, Kitty Cat, Kitty Cat, Are You Waking Up?“ —School Library Journal