Written by Tanya Lloyd Kyi, Illustrated by Valery Goulet
Did you know that every night when you sleep, your brain compares, judges, and filters all the information from the day? Good sleep helps us organize new learning into long-term memory, balance emotions, and make sense of the world. But the science of sleep is relatively new – up until the 1950s many scientists thought sleep was a dormant phase, a waste of time. Now we know sleep is one of the most important things our bodies do. Snoozefest is a great introduction to the history and scope of sleep science, offering a beginner’s look at why sleep is so important. I especially loved learning about all the wacky experiments scientists have done to study sleep. For example, in 1938, two scientists set up camp in Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave for a month, eventually discovering the importance of circadian rhythm. (The centipedes were a downside!)
There are interesting side bars throughout the book, offering facts, quotes, and notes that help keep the flow moving. The illustrations are fun and relatable, making the book engaging for a younger audience. While I would call this book text-heavy for elementary-age students, I think kids who are really interested in the subject will have no problem reading it.
Reviewed by Andrea LeBaron, Media Clerk, Upland Terrace Elementary School Library
Review shared in January 2022
Rating: ★★★★✩ (4 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 4-8
Snoozefest : The Surprising Science of Sleep
Written by Tanya Lloyd Kyi, Illustrated by Valery Goulet
Kids Can Press
80 pages
Release Date: September 7, 2021
ISBN: 9781525301490
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
