SONG OF NIGHT

Illustrator Riley (Mouse Mess, 1997, etc.) teams up with daughter and first-time author Nakamura to create a loving bedtime ballad. A rabbit mother serenades her wee bunny to sleep, singing about the evening rituals of various animal babies. Nakamura’s serene verses keep to familiar territory for little readers, as animals diligently brush their teeth, splash in a tub, and hear a bedtime lullaby. Gentle rhymes and a comforting rhythm are conducive to quiet time, with an added dash of whimsy to stir imaginations. “The moon is big and round and low. / Cloud boats sail, with stars in tow.” Riley’s full-color illustrations complement the tranquil text. Large-scale, lifelike drawings of the assorted animals are easy for young readers to identify while the softly muted hues convey the sense of approaching night, setting the scene for sleep. A generous dose of wry humor livens up the pictures; mice use “rodental floss,” bunnies gaze at a giant carrot constellation in the sky, a small ladybug sprays perfume near the skunk family, and more. A snug tale to share before lights out. (Picture book. 2-6)