Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

August 1, 2001
Youngsters well know the opening lines of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Sylvia Long revisits the classic and includes the traditional verses "When the blazing sun is gone,/ When he nothing shines upon,/ Then you show/ your little light,/ Twinkle, twinkle,/ all the night" alongside celestial watercolor depictions of critters heading home at nightfall. A baby frog eats grubs for supper; a mouse is tucked under the covers.

January 1, 2002
PreS-The traditional lullaby is told in its entirety, as the poetic images celebrate the star appearing when the sun sets, guiding the traveler in the dark, glowing throughout the night, and remaining always mysterious. The luminous watercolors show an unusual group of anthropomorphic animals gazing in awe from a hilltop at the first star of the evening and then separating to go home to their loving parents. The frogs have a fine dinner of worms and insects, the chipmunk brushes his teeth, the crow splashes in the bathtub, the opossum puts on his pajamas, the skunk family reads a story together, and the mouse is tucked into bed. A red fox in pantaloons and a smock has the role of lamplighter in the darkening town. A variety of picture sizes from spreads to vignettes, imaginative yet realistic figures, gentle humor, and familiar nighttime routines combine to make a charming bedtime experience.-Patricia Pearl Dole, formerly at First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, VA

Copyright 2002 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.