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book cover for The Coast is Clear

The Coast is Clear

A Calming Bedtime Story to Help Kids Wind Down and Relax

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Pub Date 25 Oct 2025 | Archive Date 17 Dec 2025


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Description

The Coast is Clear - A Mirror Poem (A story that unfolds forward, then reverses back through the same events)

All is well.

This enchanting bedtime picture book transforms ordinary nighttime sounds into an extraordinary calming story designed to help little ones wind down after a busy day.

Two Ways to Read:

As a traditional book from start to finish OR In the mirror poem format which reads from front to back, and then back again.

The scrape of a sliding door. The bark of a dog. The chime of a clock. The soft call of a plover.

Each sound weaves into a gentle tale that unfolds forwards, then backwards, like a mirror poem carried on the night air. Watch as the story builds up through sounds, then gently rewinds back to peaceful silence.

Benefits for your child:

  • Helps children wind down with a unique reverse storytelling structure
  • Creates a sense of peace through thoughtfully paced lyric
  • Develops listening skills and sound recognition
  • Teaches mindfulness through focused listening
  • Introduces Australian wildlife in a gentle way
  • Experience the story through sound with the included soundscape

BONUS: FREE STORY SOUNDSCAPE - Children can listen to the actual sounds that inspired this story, creating a unique multi-sensory storytelling experience. Perfect for car trips, classrooms, quiet time, or as a special bedtime experience.

Based on a true story with hidden hearts throughout Matthew Valenti's beautiful illustrations.

Perfect for ages 3-8 who love unique story structures, need help transitioning to quiet time, or enjoy sound-based storytelling. Makes for the ideal Christmas gift book for children!

"A peaceful, calming bedtime book with a mirror-poem structure that lets children experience the story through both words and sounds."

The Coast is Clear - A Mirror Poem (A story that unfolds forward, then reverses back through the same events)

All is well.

This enchanting bedtime picture book transforms ordinary nighttime sounds...


Advance Praise

1. OHBookLvr (Amazon, 5 stars)

""My grandchildren (ages 7, 5, and 3) absolutely loved this as a bedtime story. The gentle rhythm of the sounds and the unique ""mirror poem"" structure kept them engaged, and by the end they were calm and ready for sleep. The illustrations are engaging and beautiful, and the included soundscape made the experience even more magical. A wonderful, soothing book we'll be reading ( and listening to) again and again. Very nicely done!""

2. C.S. Alan (Goodreads, 5 stars)

""I truly loved this little story. I could feel myself catching my breath. The writing definitely captured the emotion and spirit of a noise in the night, the tense alertness that slowly slides back to calm. The illustrations were phenomenal, truly capturing the spirit of the writing. Highly Recommended.""

3. Linda Foster (Goodreads, 5 stars)

""The Coast is Clear is a perfect bedtime story for young children with it's calming mirror poem. The poem takes you out and brings you back like the tide. It captures feelings of peace and wonder in the natural world. Beautifully illustrated, don't forget to look for the hearts. Highly recommend this delightful book.""

1. OHBookLvr (Amazon, 5 stars)

""My grandchildren (ages 7, 5, and 3) absolutely loved this as a bedtime story. The gentle rhythm of the sounds and the unique ""mirror poem"" structure kept them...


Available Editions

ISBN 9780645245189
PRICE US$4.99 (USD)
PAGES 43

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Average rating from 2 members