CUDDLE UP, GOODNIGHT

In this pleasant tale about a child’s daily rituals, Cleminson encourages readers to find enjoyment in even the most mundane of routines. Assisted by animal pals, the young protagonist happily washes up, goes to school, eats, bathes and reads. Every activity offers contentment and most the chance to help and share as well. Playful illustrations done in colored pencil, ink and charcoal accompany the simple, rhyming text. The children are cartoon-like in design, while the animals are more realistic, and all of the illustrator’s carefully composed images have a soft effect. Often, she uses little illustrated vignettes to match each line of text. Nothing is riotous or out of control, though there’s much to amuse: The little boy is hoisted out of his bed by an elephant, its trunk latched onto his pajamas; later he sits in the hippo’s mouth, diligently brushing its teeth. The rosy-cheeked boy is filled with a quiet joy, his day peaceful, his world agreeable. A gentle story, ideal for mollifying morning hygiene protests or calming school-day jitters. (Picture book. 2-5)