Tuck-in Time

June 1, 2014
Bedtime rituals comfort and reassure a mom and her little one.Only the mother's voice is heard, as she directs the action. She plays a recognition game first, asking her toddler to tweak ears, push nose, flap arms, clap hands and more. Movement and exercise are added along with some tickling and stroking. A pet dog mimics the actions with a toy rabbit partner, playing along with the humans. Of course, it concludes with hugs and kisses all around. As they snuggle, it is apparent that the little one is worn out and ready to sleep. Gerber employs simple, sprightly language that bounces along with enthusiasm and joie de vivre. It matters not that the lines don't always scan, as the rhymes are totally child-friendly. Pearson's light and bright illustrations provide a sense of softness and warmth. Polka-dot sheets, starred pajamas, tufted bedcovers, Mom's printed dress and Bunny's striped shirt all blend together beautifully. The focus is completely on the child, with mother shown only in partial view. The child's body movements answer Mom's directions, and facial expressions show joy and delight at the whole routine. Even the endpapers add to the fun, as the startled bunny flies head over heels among the polka dots.A charming bedtime read-aloud. (Picture book. 1-4)

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June 1, 2014

PreS-A stuffed bunny cavorting on the endpapers as well as a puppy, bunny in its mouth, standing guard by a bed in the following scene, usher children into this delightful bedtime ritual. Mom is tucking her little one in for the night by engaging the youngster in activities identifying body parts. "'I see two little ears/that I want you to tweak, '" she says, and the child touches both ears. Movements become more energized as the toddler, following instructions, flaps arms, flies like a bird in mom's arms, stands to expose a chubby tummy, and lies down, waving legs and toes in the air. Finally, after bending in two for a back rub with toy bunny providing a gentle tickle, the tot, "all tuckered out," is ready for bed. "But wait.../We can't forget this...." Of course, tucking-in wouldn't be complete without a loving hug and kiss. The large watercolor illustrations, executed in a soft pastel palette, depict a lively tyke with a stuffed bunny and floppy-eared dog. The pup is often shown mirroring the toddler's actions: lying with its belly exposed as the child's tummy is revealed, for example. Mom, at first invisible or in partial view, fills the last pages as she enfolds her child in a warm embrace. Parents can pair this offering with Emily Winfield Martin's Dream Animals: A Bedtime Journey (Random, 2013) to send their wee ones on an irresistible trip to the land of nod.-Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2014
Preschool-K With lulling rhymes and a creative approach, this fresh offering will help little ones wind down before sleep. Written from a mother's perspective, the text describes a Simon Sayslike routine: When I tuck you in, what do I see? . . . I see two little armscan you flap them for me? Delightful full-spread watercolor illustrations depict a child following her words (and quite adorably, the dog does, too). The visual focus on the child will entice kids to follow along and also appropriately reflects a mother's affectionate bond with her young one, who could be either a boy or a girl. A calming read-aloud that calls to mind both Eric Carle's captivating repetition and Jane Yolen's playful good-night rhymes, this is a quiet yet captivating bedtime story to add to a child's nightly routine.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)