Big sister Sophie and her little brother Ethan were typical siblings, experiencing some rivalry mixed with a big dose of love. After a delicious dinner of spaghetti and meatballs, Mom says whoever finishes all their chores first will be able to choose the bedtime story. Ethan wanted to pick out the bedtime story so that he could show Sophie all the words he’d learned in his favorite dinosaur book. He tried to be the first to finish the dishes, brush his teeth, and take his bath. When Mom saw what was happening, she told them they’d better synergize (work together) – a new word Mrs. Wheeler had taught in class. The siblings agreed upon a solution to their dilemma. In the children’s book, The Bedtime Story Race, created by Shel Curry, a familiar family scenario is developed.

This children’s book describes a typical sibling relationship in a delightful way, showing how easy it can be to find ways to work together. The author writes the story in both narrative and dialogue formats, creating a realistic perspective. Likewise, the captivating illustrations by Hatice Bayramoglu add another layer of authenticity and charm. The best feature, however, was the tools at the end of the book; the questions for young readers and sight word practice. This will aid parents in making this book a learning experience for children. Author Shel Curry has written a wonderful children’s book in The Bedtime Story Race, one that will be especially helpful to parents who want to lessen sibling rivalry in their homes!

Ethan is so proud of the new words he’s learning to read. He can’t wait to show his older sister, Sophie, how well he can read. When Mom announces a challenge, a race to see who can finish their chores first, Ethan is determined to win so he can be the one to choose the bedtime story, and then show off his new reading skills. Can he win against an older sister who’s faster than he is at so many things? Should he cheat a little to win? Ethan’s determination shines through, as does his pride in his growing reading ability.

Shel Curry’s picture book story, The Bedtime Story Race, is a great story about family and the bond of love that can be expressed through reading together. Although most of the language is simple so beginner readers can follow the story, there is one word that adds a challenge: synergize. This will allow young readers to practice their phonetics, sounding out a word and they will learn what it means. It’s rather a ‘cool’ word that they will probably remember and use frequently themselves (as young readers love to show off their knowledge of complicated words). At the end of the book, there is an interactive exercise with questions to make the young reader think about what they just read and a glossary of words to enhance their sight word practice. The bright, bold, colorful illustrations help carry this story along. This is a great way to encourage young readers to work hard at their growing reading skills and to cherish the precious family time spent together with a good book.