LITTLE RABBIT COULDN’T SLEEP
by Beth Shoshan and illustrated by Sarah Arnold
A restless rabbit wants the moon to come so he can sleepy snugly. The sun is warm and comforting, but as night nears the day darkens and cools. Little Rabbit decides to wait for the moon, which he’s sure will watch over him. He gets sleepier and sleepier; he can barely stay awake! In turn, a pretty flower, a clear lake, a long and winding path, a gentle wind and the rolling hills all help the time go by for Little Rabbit by offering their perspectives. And when the “most perfect” moon does arrive, Little Rabbit has already nodded off. The text of Shoshan’s gentle nature tale is crisp and accessible, though her verb usage occasionally tips into preciosity: The lake “shimmer[s],” the road “twist[s],” the wind “breeze[s]” when they talk to Little Rabbit. Arnold’s depiction of Little Rabbit, an adorable puffball, all head and expressive eyes, who looks like a brisk wind could blow him away, adds appeal and aptly matches the target toddler readership. (Picture book. 2-5)