"An enchanting new children's book which promises to become an established part of many children's bedtime routine." 

alyttlehelp

I was lucky enough to interview Laura Baxter, author of the exciting new children's book Sleep Little Tortoise.

Tell me a little about your new book Sleep Little Tortoise.
Sleep Little Tortoise is a book for young children to help them to settle at bedtime. It’s about learning to use your imagination to help you get to sleep.

Where did the idea for your book come from?

My daughter struggled to get to sleep for years. I tried lots of ways to help her settle and they all involved trying to help her to quieten her busy mind. Then one day I realised that maybe she didn’t need to quieten her mind, she needed to use it. I encouraged her to fill her mind with the most comforting images she could imagine and then just watch as her daydreams carried her to exciting places. And they did. And she slept.

What age group is it written for?

It’s written for 3-5 year olds but children up to the age of about 9 seem to be enjoying it.

Do you have a favourite part of the story?

I quite like the classic bedtime scenario before the tortoise learns how to get to sleep. I think a lot of people will be able to relate to that!

Is there anything you hope children will learn from the story?

I hope children will learn that bedtime doesn’t have to be a time to dread and that getting to sleep can actually be as exciting as reading a good book.

What inspired you to be a writer?

I suppose it was the need to express my own daydreams and ramblings of my imagination.