Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
Videos: Samuel L. Jackson, Judah Friedlander Read "Go The F*ck To Sleep"
By
Garth Johnston
Published Jun 15, 2011
Modified Jun 15, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Garth Johnston
Published Jun 15, 2011
Modified Jun 15, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Took long enough! After a whole lotta hype, much of it truly genuine thanks to a leaked galley, this season's hottest not-really-for-children children's book, Go The Fuck To Sleep, officially came out yesterday. And with its publication come some ringing celebrity endorsements. No less than Samuel L. Jackson, hater of motherfucking snakes on motherfucking planes, has recorded a free audiobook version of Adam Mansbach and Ricardo Cortés instant classic. And it gets better.
Last night at the launch party for the book at the New York Public Library, friend of Gothamist, Judah Friedlander read the book aloud as well. He also sheds some interesting light on the genesis of the book:
And as if an already funny book ("The cubs and the lions are snoring, / Wrapped in a big snuggly heap. / How come you can do all this other great shit / But you can't lie the fuck down and sleep?") being read by two very funny people weren't enough, it still gets better. No less than Werner Herzog is said to be recording an audio book version as well.
So! Famous people, can this be a thing? Putting recordings of "Go The Fuck To Sleep" online seems a much funnier way for a celebrity to waste time than, say, planking. And there are so many celebrities we could imagine giving the nighttime book an awesome spin. Just off the top of our head we'd dig versions from Al Pacino, Kevin Spacey, Suzie Essman or Courtney Love. Lets make this happen!
Tagged
children's books
go the fuck to sleep
judah friedlander
samuel l jackson
werner herzog
Garth Johnston
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
Celebrate Dolly Parton in New York this weekend with dancing and drag
Five Dolly tribute events in the city
By
Hannah Frishberg
Published Aug 28, 2026
Liberty tickets are becoming more expensive. Some longtime fans say they're paying the price.
Thirty years later, the Liberty's most dedicated fans are still showing up. But as the stadium fills, they question if they can keep up.
By
Amanda Rozon
Arts & Entertainment
Liberty tickets are becoming more expensive. Some longtime fans say they're paying the price.
Thirty years later, the Liberty's most dedicated fans are still showing up. But as the stadium fills, they question if they can keep up.
By
Amanda Rozon
The events at New York City libraries this September are spicy
By
Alec Hamilton
We joined the US Open ball crew for a day. It's harder than it looks.
By
Sonia Rao
Heading to Queens for the US Open? Here are 5 non-tennis things to do in Flushing Meadows.
By
Hannah Frishberg
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .