The Coast Is Clear by Karen Brough is a calming bedtime picture book, written in a mirror poem format, that parents and teachers will appreciate for its gentle rhythm, familiar nighttime sounds, and sleep-friendly structure.
What The Coast Is Clear Is About
Rather than following a traditional plot with conflict or excitement, the book invites children to notice ordinary sounds in a quiet backyard at night—sounds that might otherwise feel mysterious or unsettling.
As the story progresses, these sounds are introduced one by one and place the focus not on action, but on awareness, rhythm, and reassurance—making it especially well-suited for bedtime reading.
The text is sparse, but all the words are deliberately chosen to add to the calm tone. Personally, I love this style IF it’s supported with wonderful illustrations. And in this case it is.
I found myself very carefully inspecting all the pages, looking for clues about what’s going on, enjoying the fox’s many sweet expressions, and looking for the hearts that are hidden on the pages.
What really makes this book stand out, though, is how intentionally calm it is. There are no sudden surprises, dramatic tension, or busy visuals competing for attention. Instead, the pacing is slow and steady, allowing children’s nervous systems to settle naturally.
The mirror poem format and the beautiful pencil drawings both add to this feeling of peace, as does the free story soundscape that’s available to listen to while you read the book.
The fox is the star, and children and adults alike will appreciate the sweet and surprising ending.
How The Coast is Clear Uses a Mirror Poem
The author uses this structure with nighttime sounds. The story introduces sounds one at a time as the night unfolds.
At the midpoint the pattern reverses and those same sounds are revisited in reverse order, gradually fading away. The final pages return the reader to quiet and rest.
This mirrors the natural rhythm of the evening—awareness followed by settling—and helps children transition from alertness to sleep.
I think it’s a very clever technique and suits this book well.
Best Age Range
This book is best suited for preschoolers through early elementary-aged children, though its calming tone can be appreciated well beyond that range.
Ideas for Classroom Use
1. Calm-Down Corner Reading
- Keep the book in a cozy reading nook or calm-down corner. I used to have a small ladybug tent in my room and that worked perfectly!
- When children are feeling overwhelmed, allow them to read or listen to it quietly.
- Pair with soft lighting or a small soundscape to enhance relaxation.
2. Mindfulness and Listening Activity
- Read the book aloud and pause to focus on each sound.
- Ask children to close their eyes and identify what they hear in the room.
- Use it as a stepping stone to a short classroom mindfulness session or “listening walk.”
3. Mirror-Poem Exploration
- Highlight the book’s forward-and-back structure.
- Ask children to name the sounds they notice in order, then recall them in reverse.
- This builds memory, sequencing skills, and pattern recognition.
4. Soundscape or Movement Activity
- Invite children to make gentle sound effects for the story as you read:
- Whisper, tap, or hum the sounds
- Move slowly like the rhythm of the story
- Supports listening skills, body awareness, and self-regulation.
5. Art Connection
- After reading, children can draw or paint the calm night scene they imagine.
- Encourage them to include the sounds they “hear,” turning auditory experience into visual expression.
DOWNLOAD: PDF teacher handout of extension activities
Thanks for stopping by!
Barbara
