Bedtime in the Jungle
PreSchool-K—The sun is setting in the jungle, and animal mothers are gathering their babies close to settle them for the night. Each mother encourages her little one(s) to go to sleep with soft words of comfort in this counting book, beginning with a rhino saying, "Sleep" to her one baby, a monkey softly urging, "Rest" to her two babies, etc., until finally, elephants assemble their ten babies to rest by the river, as shown in a foldout. The song "Over in the Meadow" is the inspiration for the book's verses. What distinguishes this title is its stunning illustrations. The story begins with a hint of daylight in the background, and with each subsequent spread the sun gradually sets in tones of pink, lilac, violet, and then deep blue as the moon gently rises and stars appear in the night sky. The animals are depicted in their natural settings in soothing shades that are sure to bring about the calm that encourages sleep. A lovely addition.—C. J. Connor, Campbell County Public Library, Cold Spring, KYEND