Author
Bridget Schmidt is all too familiar with the chronic problem of
children and nightmares. When her own son continuously woke up
in the middle of the night she tried everything. The solution she
finally stumbled upon proved so effective that she knew other children
(and parents!) would also benefit. Thus, Bayla and the SleepStone
was born.
The charming story revolves around the relationship between Bayla
the otter and his human friend Joseph Daniel. The gentle otter
realizes that the same stones that protect his otter babies at
night will help Joseph Daniel keep away the bad dreams that have
been tormenting him. Bayla slips a SleepStone under Joseph Daniel's
pillow and the next morning the boy happily tells Bayla of his
nightmare-free sleep.
Bridget Schmidt has a degree in linguistic anthropology from the
University of Florida and is a junior high school teacher. |
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Illustrator
Michael Mojher had always wanted to do a children's book. He had
just completed work on a series of otter studies when he was
approached to design Bayla. His detailed illustrations add a depth
and classic feel to the story. Modeled after his own son, the pictures
of Joseph Daniel leap into life; the playful otters are so endearing
that you remember their faces long after the book is complete.
Many happy children and their parents have attested to the effectiveness
of the story, equipped with a SleepStone and velvet pouch. While
its usefulness as a parenting tool cannot be denied, the story
and its beautiful illustrations stand on their own as a fine example
of children's literature.
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