Reviews

PreS-K-Four parents are trying to get their little ones off to bed. Instead of her "lovely lambs," however, Mother Sheep finds rascally chicks, Father Duck finds sassy piglets, Mother Hen finds naughty lambs, and Father Pig finds tricky ducklings. Once the animals are rounded up, the little creatures postpone going to sleep by using some of the same tricks children are familiar with-asking for one more story, saying they are thirsty, etc. Argent's lovely watercolor illustrations highlight the characters' humorous expressions. The well-designed book features appropriately spaced spot illustrations on white alternating with richly colored pages. Full-page spreads are sparingly used to provide visual punch. This rhythmic, repetitive bedtime story will lull kids to sleep and comfort tired parents.-Debbie Stewart, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Mischievous mix-ups rule in this fun-loving tale of barnyard babies who stave off the bedtime hour for as long as possible. To the consternation of their surprised parents, the ducklings, piglets, lambs and chicks initially swap beds. "You sassy scalawags! You're not my darling ducklings!" Father Duck admonishes the piglets he finds frolicking in his pond. Mother Hen scolds the lambs in her chicken coop, "You naughty scamps! You're not my chicky chicks!" Subsequent stalling tactics will be familiar to children and parents everywhere: "We want ten kisses each!" "Tell us one more story, please!" (Or, as the piglets squeal, "We have to wee, wee, wee!") Australian collaborators Wild and Argent (Miss Lily's Fabulous Pink Feather Boa) depict these antics through simple, rhythmic sentences and muted watercolors that lend a cozy, snuggle-up feel to the story. Argent's expressive paintings combine well with Wild's repetitive and sometimes alliterative phrasing: "Settle down." "Snuggle up." "Sleep tight." "Nighty night!" Young readers won't want these characters to say good night and will surely use this book to forestall their own imminent bedtimes. Ages 2-6. (Sept.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.