Night Night, Otto
Night Night, Otto is a clever and thoroughly enjoyable picturebook that puts a humorous twist on the familiar struggle of getting young children to sleep. The story follows Otto, a chick with a seemingly bizarre bedtime routine. Adults and young readers in the know will understand before Mama and Papa Bird do that Otto’s inability to fall asleep at night is biological instead of wilful. It’s this comical juxtaposition that makes the narrative so entertaining and meaningful.
The bedtime setting creates a soothing and calming atmosphere, but the repeated attempts to get Otto to sleep add energy and hilarity. The book uses a bedtime story within a bedtime story structure, which gives the plot anticipation and repetition which is further enhanced by a counting element throughout.
Lo Cole’s illustrations are particularly appealing. The bold use of colour and distinctive artwork help introduce readers to the concept that different animals have different ways of experiencing the world. They brilliantly bring Otto’s nighttime perspective to life and sharply contrast the daytime world of the other birds with Otto’s nocturnal one.
Night Night, Otto depicts how easily an individual’s needs and behaviour can be misunderstood. The reader understands there is nothing wrong with Otto, so it encourages young children to accept differences rather than seeing them as problems to be solved. With its humour, warmth and imaginative perspective, it thoughtfully explores the concept of seeing the world from another’s perspective by utilising the familiar and accessible bedtime ritual.
