Mortimer

By Robert Munsch and Michael Martchenko

It's Mortimer's bedtime, but he would much rather sing his rowdy song. Mom, Dad and even the police can't get him to quiet down, until they become so distracted by each other that Mortimer drifts off to sleep.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Annick Press
• Release date: Oct 2, 2012
• ISBN: 9781453262825

Robert Munsch

Robert Munsch, author of such classics as The Paper Bag Princess and Thomas’ Snowsuit, is one of North America’s bestselling authors of children’s books.

Reviews for Mortimer

[cassie2lee2irwin · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Media: Water ColorGenre: FictionReview: This book is an example of fiction because the events and people are made to seem real but it is not actually a real story or real people. When Mortimer's mother tries to put him to bed he will not go to sleep after many people come up trying to get him to stop singing and go to bed. As everyone is fighting about the best way to do it downstairs he ends up falling asleep waiting for someone to come.

[madamepince · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the most reliable read alouds available.

[mtrudell_3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

All Mortimer's parents want is for him to go to sleep - quietly. All Mortimer wants to do is SING!This book is beautifully illustrated by Michael Martchenko, and Robert Munsch's words almost dance right off the page. The writing thumps up and down the stairs with Mortimer's parents, clangs and bangs with his singing. It is amusing for parents and children alike; I was definitely a Mortimer as a child.

[kateogorman66 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I think that this book was funny and almost believable. With that many people in the house I think it would be very hard to get to bed but Mortimer did it! He slept through all that noise. I love the repetition that Munch creates. It really gets the reader into the story :)

[conuly · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Mortimer must be a daily chatterbox, because all his mom says when she puts him to bed (throws him in bed in the book, I don't like that part so I edit it to be a little less antagonistic) is BE QUIET.Well, I know little ones, and you know little ones, and we all know little ones, and Mortimer says yes but immediately does what he shouldn't. He sings. Loudly. He's gonna make his noise all day long.So his whole family, and ultimately the cops troop up to tell him to be quiet, and while they fight over whose responsibility it is (and stop paying him attention for singing), he falls asleep. The ending is a bit predictable, isn't it? But for a bedtime book, as I think this is, that sort of ending is just what you need. Nice and predictable and quick.

[raizel_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Cute story and illustrations, lots of repetition amid building chaos, and a satisfying ending. I liked how the thumps on the page ascend as people go upstairs and descend as they go down.

[linyarai · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I found this on my shelf and realized I hadn't marked it as read yet. Of of my favorites, I love his funnier books.

[abigailadams26 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

When Mortimer's mother puts him to bed, telling him to be quiet, the little boy nods his head, but doesn't comply, singing his fun (and loud!) little ditty. His father, siblings, and two policemen also try to get him to be quiet, all to no avail. It is only when everyone is downstairs, arguing with one another, and therefore unable to pay attention to the noisemaker upstairs, that Mortimer finally falls asleep...Author Robert Munsch and illustrator Michael Martchenko have collaborated on numerous picture-books, many of them quite humorous (my favorite is The Paper Bag Princess!), and Mortimer is no exception. Oddly enough, given the fact that I wasn't amused by the bratty child in this team's Thomas' Snowsuit, I found Mortimer quite entertaining. Perhaps because the ending here, in which the eponymous hero's annoying behavior ceases when the other characters stop paying attention to him, doesn't enable or validate said behavior? Whatever the case may be, I found this one far more entertaining than the story about Thomas, and finished the book with a chuckle. Recommended to anyone looking for bedtimes books featuring noisy children who don't want to be quiet, or go to sleep.

[christine_gail_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is a must have for every Early Childhood Educator out there. It is a all time favourite with the kindergarten crowd. On rainy days and Fridays I would bring this book out along with a bucket full of instruments and the children would scream with excitement in anticipation of what was coming next. Every child needs permission to make some noise and this book gives kids permission to just that. Thank you Mr Munsch for bringing so much joy to circle time in my class.“Clang Clang Rattle Bing Bang, Gonna make my noise all day!”