Linda Ashman
Children's Book Author

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OPPENHEIM TOY PORTFOLIO GOLD AWARD 2002

A GOVERNOR McGREEVEY'S BOOK CLUB Selection


"Ashman has written a splendid bedtime fantasy that's perfect for cold winter nights and, by example, could lead to parents and children putting their heads together to create their own tales. A tender read-aloud that ends comfortingly in mother's arms and then snuggled into bed." Kirkus Reviews


"A rhyming bedtime ritual told in the voices of a parent and a child. Instead of going to sleep, the young pajama-clad girl decides to go sailing. The large, appealing illustrations show the adventurous child on her expedition to the Great White North. The polar land and seascapes feature cool whites and blues, while the friendly and accommodating animals are warm and velvety. Smooth sailing to dreamland." School Library Journal

"A warm and loving bedtime tale for parent and child, this book is soothing to the eye as well as the heart. A little girl who is reluctant at bedtime tells her mother that rather than sleep she'll go sailing. Her imaginary journey to the North Pole brings her back home to mom for a cuddle and a good night kiss before she sails off to sleep." Children's Literature





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SAILING OFF TO SLEEP

From SAILING OFF TO SLEEP. Illustrations c2001 by Susan Winter. With permission of Simon & Schuster.

Author's Note


It's nighttime, my little one.
Climb into bed.

I don't want to sleep.
I'll go sailing instead.


There's only one problem:
Your ship has no sail.

I'm tying my boat
to the tail of a whale.



The first few lines of this book came to me while rocking Jackson in the middle of the night soon after he was born. It was wintertime, and a bit chilly -- even in Los Angeles -- so my thoughts drifted to icy places and polar bears. And, of course, I really wanted him to sleep so I could get some sleep! Recently I realized the book has a rocking-chair rhythm to it, owing, no doubt, to all the time we spent together in that chair.

I love Susan Winter's gorgeous paintings for this book, and only wish I could curl up with that polar bear myself.


LINDA'S BOOKS
Click on book titles for reviews, awards, and other info

New
M IS FOR MISCHIEF
"Ashman's poetic portraits are packed with lots of tasty assonance and alliteration." Starred Review, PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
STELLA, UNLEASHED: Notes from the Doghouse
"A hilarious look at the world through the sharp eyes and nose of a dog." SCRIPPS HOWARD NEWS
Other Books
BABIES ON THE GO
"A 10 on the "aw"-inspiring scale." PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
CASTLES, CAVES & HONEYCOMBS
"Beautifully crafted and satisfying." Starred Review, BOOKLIST
TO THE BEACH!
"A family outing gone hilariously awry." BOOKLIST
STARRY SAFARI
"A rip-roaring, exciting excursion." SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
RUB-A-DUB SUB
An "enchanting ride." PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
WHAT COULD BE BETTER THAN THIS?
"Youngsters will find nothing but comfort in these pages." KIRKUS
MAMA'S DAY
A "lovely reverie on the joys of being alive and being loved." Starred Review, PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
CAN YOU MAKE A PIGGY GIGGLE?
"Vibrant, playful text . . . excellent for storytimes." SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
DESMOND & THE NAUGHTYBUGS
"A lighthearted look at bad behavior." KIRKUS
THE ESSENTIAL WORLDWIDE MONSTER GUIDE
"As pithy and clever as Ogden Nash at his best." Starred Review, KIRKUS
MAXWELL'S MAGIC MIX-UP
"A riotous adventure." HORN BOOK MAGAZINE
JUST ANOTHER MORNING
"Ashman captures the non-stop action in rollicking rhyme." KIRKUS
HOW TO MAKE A NIGHT
A "captivating collaboration." Starred Review, KIRKUS
SAILING OFF TO SLEEP
"A splendid bedtime fantasy." KIRKUS
THE TALE OF WAGMORE GENTLY
Wagmore is "a charming, gentle hero." KIRKUS REVIEWS

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