Best buddies Blossom and Boo decide to explore the mysteries of the nighttime forest. Apperley’s amiable duo (Blossom and Boo: A Story About Best Friends, not reviewed) continue to wield an enchanting appeal. Readers will readily recognize favored pastimes of the preschool set: discovering shapes in cloud formations, dancing, and frolicking about with carefree abandon. Like all youngsters, the bunny and cub ponder what they are missing while they slumber. Saying goodnight to their diurnal pals, the two eagerly await the arrival of the moon, only to discover that the woods at night can be an alarming experience. Despite being spooked, they quickly determine the commonplace sources for the ominous sounds and sights. However, with the arrival of the sun comes the determination that for light-loving creatures such as themselves, nighttime is best spent snuggled up asleep. Apperley’s art imbues the tale with her own distinctive blend of whimsy. Pencil-and-watercolor illustrations beguile readers with a bevy of cuddlesome critters. Simply rendered, the full-bleed pictures have a child-like feel that is utterly appealing: chunky, rounded bees buzz past a bright field of daisies, while round little ducklings bob in the stream. A likable tale that gently encourages would-be night owls to roost for the evening. (Picture book. 3-5)
