Sleepy Savanna
A Bedtime Board Book of Baby Animals
by Stephen R. Swinburne
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Pub Date Sep 15 2026 | Archive Date Not set
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Description
*BOARD BOOK*
A sweet, lyrical bedtime story about baby animals falling asleep on the African savanna, perfect for lulling animal-loving kids to sleep and teaching them about wildlife.
It’s nighttime on the savanna, and ten little animals are drifting off to sleep. Little cheetah runs her tiny motor, and little crocodile rests behind a fence of teeth.
With sweet lyrical text from award-winning author Stephen R. Swinburne and adorable illustrations by Carolina Grosa, your sleepy child will meet baby animals of the African savanna, including little elephant, cheetah, crocodile, giraffe, ostrich, lion, hippo, rhino, and flamingo.
More than an adorable bedtime story, Sleepy Savanna weaves fun animal facts into a soothing read-aloud, making it both educational and calming. It’s the perfect bedtime board book for animal lovers and trips to the zoo, or a sweet baby shower gift.
Available in English and Spanish!
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781641708548 |
| PRICE | $9.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 20 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 73 members
Featured Reviews
This was such a fun book to read to my kids before bed! They enjoyed learning about how each baby animal fall asleep whether it's huddled together or purring with their paws in the air like a lion! It was read more than once in the same night as it was loved so much!
This book is adorable! Any child will love it, especially if they love animals. The illustrations are so cute and perfect. They are vibrant, colorful, and engaging. The story itself is very sweet. Wonderful bedtime book for parents and caregivers to read to their little animal lover to get them to wind down for the night!
Mary M, Reviewer
Such a sweet bedtime story! Absolutely adorable and Vibrant illustrations, the giraffe is my favorite! The book is also informative and teaches some facts about the featured animals and the African Savanna in simple and easy to understand language. Any child would love to say good night with this adorable book. It would make a delightful baby-shower or any time gift for a baby or child.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ebook ARC.
This tender board book is a soothing bedtime read, gently following baby animals as they settle down for the night on the savanna. Calm language and soft, warm illustrations make it ideal for sharing with babies and toddlers as part of a peaceful nighttime routine. The sturdy format and reassuring tone support both early literacy and emotional comfort.
I received a digital review copy of this book through NetGalley. This review reflects my honest opinion.
Note to the publisher: Sleepy Savanna is a lovely addition to any bedtime collection and would be a strong choice for families and libraries seeking calm, comforting board books for very young readers.
★★★★
A gentle, engaging introduction to savannah animals that feels perfectly tailored for little hands and short attention spans. The illustrations are bright and inviting, making it easy for young readers to stay curious and involved. Simple, clear text pairs well with the visuals, creating a smooth read-aloud experience. A solid choice for early learning and animal lovers just starting their reading journey!
This is going to be a gentle, snuggle-up-before-bedtime board book. I loved the protectiveness that each young animal goes through on each page. My preschoolers' ‘awws’ and ‘how cute’ were enjoyable to listen to throughout the story. We will definitely pick up a board book once it becomes available for purchase.
Carolina Grosa did a wonderful job creating a quiet space that makes you want to snuggle right there with each animal on every page of the illustration.
** Thank you, NetGalley, Familius, and Stephen R. Swinburne, for an eARC copy of ’Sleepy Savana’.
"Sleepy Savanna" by Stephen R. Swinburne is an absolute bedtime essential for parents of young children.
Swinburne’s writing is beautifully rhythmic and soothing, perfectly capturing the quiet transition from day to night on the African savanna. The lyrical prose creates a gentle pace that naturally helps little ones wind down, while the stunning photography brings the animals—from zebras to elephants—vibrantly to life in their natural habitat.
What makes this book stand out is its simplicity and warmth. It’s more than just a story; it’s a calming experience that introduces kids to nature and wildlife in a way that feels intimate and peaceful.
If you’re looking for a book to add to your nightly routine that is both educational and incredibly relaxing, this is a must-buy. It’s a sweet, quiet masterpiece that my kids ask for again and again!
I couldn’t resist requesting this one from NetGalley, and I’m so glad I did. Sleepy Savannah is a simple, adorable picture book that’s perfect for winding down at the end of the day.
Each page follows a different savanna animal settling in for the night, gently watched over by their parent. There’s something incredibly comforting about that rhythm. It feels like a lullaby in book form.
The illustrations are absolutely charming, soft and warm, the kind you want to linger on just a little longer before turning the page.
For young readers, especially those just starting out, this would be such a soothing bedtime story. It’s calm, reassuring, and full of that quiet kind of love that makes nighttime feel safe.
A perfect five-star read and a wonderful addition to any bedtime routine.
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