Time Now to Dream

A mysterious forest sound sets a curious girl and her timid younger brother on an evening adventure with an unexpectedly heartwarming outcome.

Alice and Jack are out playing catch when they hear a strange sound coming from the forest. Jack wants to know what it could be, and Alice decides to go find out. "But what if it's the Wicked Wolf?" Jack asks. "Shhh," says Alice. "Everything is going to be all right." As the two go deeper into the woods and get closer to the odd noise, Jack grows more afraid. But Alice reassures him as she guides him along, and together they make a surprising and sweet discovery. Author Timothy Knapman balances the excitement of adventuring into the unknown with the comfort of returning home safe and sound, while Helen Oxenbury's classically charming illustrations make this a perfect bedtime book to share with little explorers, both the brave ones and those who may need some reassuring that everything is going to be all right.

Timothy Knapman is a children’s writer, lyricist, and playwright. He is the author of the picture books Soon, illustrated by Patrick Benson, and Dinosaurs Don’t Have Bedtimes, illustrated by Nikki Dyson. He lives in Surrey, England.

Helen Oxenbury is a two-time winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal and the winner of the 2015 Carle Artist Honor. She is a celebrated illustrator of many well-loved books, including Charley’s First Night and When Charley Met Grampa, both by Amy Hest, Farmer Duck by Martin Waddell, and There’s Going to Be a Baby by her husband, John Burningham. Helen Oxenbury lives in London.