Emily Brown and the Thing
Written by: Cressida Cowell
Illustrated By: Neal Layton
Orchard Books, 2007, Paperback Edition
Target Audience: Ages 3-8
Genre: Fiction
Theme: Bedtime
How We Discovered This Book: My kids and I absolutely loved That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown, another book by Cressida Cowell. You can check out my previous review. I had heard there were other Emily Brown books, so at Christmas time I went searching for them. I discovered 3 more! In addition to Emily Brown and the Thing, there is Cheer Up Your Teddy Bear, Emily Brown, and Emily Brown and the Elephant Emergency.
Summary:
Emily Brown and her trusty stuffed rabbit Stanley are trying to sleep. But the Thing has other plans. He makes all kinds of noises, and the only way to get him to be quiet is to help him. He needs his cuddly, his bedtime milk, his medicine… will he ever go to sleep?
What I Liked:
This resonated on a variety of levels, for both me and my kids. Emily is not scared of the Thing. She is brave and in charge (as always), taking on each challenge with a smile. In the end, she even tucked him into bed (under her bed, no less). The whole story reminded me of my children, and the “needs” they come up with to stall going to bed.
What Did My Kids Think?
They thought the book was funny and creative. They love Emily’s imagination- she didn’t just find his medicine, she put on her special glasses, climbed through the Witches’ Cavern, and told the witches stories in exchange for the medicine. And her answer to the Thing when he says his leg itches is just priceless (and familiar?)
Resources:
Hatchette Children’s Books has free activity downloads for Emily Brown, including a door hanger and idea prompts.
A Life Spent Reading 
Not familar with the Emily series. I like strong and brave protagonists and this book sounds like it is very creative and fun. Great selection for kids.
This series is new to me as well. Thanks for telling me about them. They sound like a lot of fun.
Lurv Emily Brown stories!
I haven’t met Emily Brown and I think I like her. A lot!
Well, this is a new series to me – one I must check out. Anyone who can be brave around a thing and tell witches stories must be appreciated. Thanks for sharing.
This Emily Brown title is new to me, too. Thanks for sharing it.
Well, I haven’t met Emily Brown either! Thanks for introducing us!
Yippee! A new series to explore. Thank-you!!
I love That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown, so I really want to read the others but my library only has That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown. I’m going to request them and see what happens. Thanks for making me aware of their existence!
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