A generation of children have already given their approval to Uba-Duba, a bed time story that is as likely to induce laughter and wonder as it will bring about sleep. Beloved by the cousins in our family, you will want to make this book a bedside treasure for your child.

Your child will gladly participate in the fun game of pretending that their bed is a canoe, heading up a vast river, through a dark and mysterious jungle filled with weird noises and a scent of s'mores. The destination is a wonderful city full of games and toys, of cookies and milk, where children laugh and play all day long.

You know the old saying that it's not the destination but the journey that stirs the soul. So it is with your child's trip (and yours) to Uba-Duba. The truth is that few children ever reach Uba-Duba, because something in this story makes them fall asleep along the way.

Let there be no despair, because your child can try again every evening, getting closer and closer to the wonderful sound of laughter and games, of slides and rides, only to fall asleep at the very gates of Uba-Duba and wake up instantly, in their own bed, with the sun shining through an open window, and birds twittering outside..

Whatever else you take away from this story, you will become adept at imitating the fabulous drums of Uba-Duba, for which the city is named. You will say, in a low and important tone, "Ooba-Dooba, Ooba-Dooba, Ooba-Dooba..." and you may also start sleeping more soundly.

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