MOTHER GOOSE'S PAJAMA PARTY

Mother Goose throws a storytime slumber party for all her favorite characters.

As word spreads about the party, the stars of these famous rhymes start making their ways to Mother Goose’s house. “Wee Willie Winkie spread the word / and Georgie Porgie overheard.” The gathering parade of guests walks single file down the final crooked mile to Mother Goose’s gate. Relying more on image than text, this concept book belies its bedtime title as readers are engaged to surmise the rhymes of origin. Youngsters will enjoy these familiar characters freed from their traditional settings. Allyn’s illustrations are vibrant in color, with characters of many ethnicities, along with animals and the plate and spoon. Yet the lively images cover up the lack of tension or story arc; this book is more recognition game than story. Over 14 characters are found in the rhyming verses, with the possibility that not all will be recognized. Two favorites, the Three Blind Mice and the Gingerbread Man, appear in illustration only. The traditional rhymes appear at the end of the book, providing the sources for lesser known characters.

Readers who are knowledgeable enough to recognize all the players are likely to want an actual storyline.