book cover

It's Time to Hush and Say Good Night

by Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat

Reading age: 2 to 5

Published by Walker Books, 2024

  • Picture books
  • Poetry and rhyme

About this book

Count the stars that twinkle bright. It's time to hush and say good night.

Follow a father and child as the father shushes winds, protects his little one from monsters, and brings the quiet of birds asleep. Step by step, the loving parent is there to guide, soothe and cuddle the child.

The repeated refrain of 'It's time to hush and say good night...' brings a lulling rhythm to the words, which will hopefully ensure the listening child feels ready to sleep by the end.

Based on traditional Indian lullabies, this is beautifully lyrical and full of emotion. The rhyme ensures that it sounds wonderfully soothing when read aloud.

The pictures, meanwhile, are absolutely stunning. The imaginative landscape brims with magic and rich colour. There are animals to spot on each page, along with mountains, waterfalls and gorgeous night skies.

Plus, it's refreshing to see a child safe in their father's (rather than mother's) arms, and to have a father speak these words of love, protection and comfort. (Though, of course, anyone can read the book aloud!)

This picture book is visually breathtaking, with beautiful words as well. Perfect for naptime and bedtime cuddles.

About the author

Chitra Soundar is an Indian-born British author and storyteller based in London. She has written over 30 books published across Asia, Europe and North America. Chitra has written picture books, stories for emerging readers, poetry and junior fiction. Chitra grew up hearing tales from Indian epics and folk wisdom and her stories are often set in India, inspired by her heritage.

She often visits schools, libraries and festivals to run writing and storytelling workshops because she believes stories widen our imagination and help us understand the people we share our planet with. She also writes short stories for adults as C Iyengar.

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