SLEEPY, OH SO SLEEPY

Fleming’s somnolent latest peeks in on several baby-parent pairs as the little ones get ready to bed down. Seemingly tailored to the smallest listeners, the simple, patterned text and repeated refrain make it easy for them to join in the reading: “Tiny baby panda, / sleepy, oh so sleepy.” Ostrich, lion, penguin, giraffe, otter, koala, kangaroo, possum, elephant, anteater and orangutan round out the animal cast, giving children the chance to revisit their favorites while also introducing some lesser-known creatures. Interspersed is the repeated question, “Where’s my sleepy baby?” giving children another chance to interact with both the text and their adult reader. The end sees the narrator’s own sleepy baby tucked in and sleeping peacefully. The author’s signature pulp-painting illustrations fill the spreads with mottled jewel tones and the texture of the handmade paper. The animal babies take center stage—just enough of a parent is shown to help with identification. Audience participation required…likely again and again and again. (Picture book. 2-5)