In Alborough’s third book for young children about Bobo, the young chimp says “yes,” repeatedly, to taking a bath. He then says “no,” just as emphatically, to going to bed. Bobo’s mother knowingly acquiesces and moves to the sidelines as Bobo proceeds to frolic in the river with a young lizard and a baby elephant. Inevitably, Bobo asleep, and he’s delivered home to his waiting mother, accompanied by the lizard and nestled in the elephant’s trunk. “Bedtime for Bobo,” his mother says. “Yes,” answer his new friends. Minimal text (the focus is on the words “yes” and “no”) makes this perfect for the youngest children, and the cheerful gouache-on-board illustrations lovingly depict the affable animals. Perhaps the story would be stronger if it were apparent that Bobo’s mother felt assured of his safety throughout—readers see her looking alarmed when the lizard appears, and then do not see her again until she collects her son—but as it stands, this is a soothing bedtime tale with warm, appealing and energetic characters. (Picture book. 2-5)
