THE YAWNICORN

A mythical beast helps send little ones to sleep.

“Your head is all busy, / your legs are all twitchy, / your brain won’t stop buzzing, / your blanket is itchy.” A young tot with pale skin and a mop of red hair is having trouble falling asleep. But not to fear, the Yawnincorn is here! “He’s made up of starshine and magic and light— / he’ll help find a dreamland / for you that’s just right.” A bright white unicorn swoops in the window on a trail of sparkles. The youngster grabs his hoof, and they soar into the night. The Yawnicorn takes children to whatever imaginary landscape they can dream up. Whether it’s sitting on puffy clouds and sliding down rainbows (standard unicorn fare that of course needed to be included), having a musical parade, exploring in the jungle, or diving deep under the sea with turtles and whales, anything is possible as long as you start to yawn once the adventure concludes. The lilting rhymes are soothing and relaxing, and the palette changes from bright pops of color to deep blues and purples as eyelids get heavier. Readers will hopefully stretch and yawn along as they snuggle in for the night. Move over, sheep: another hoofed animal is here to take over bedtime.

Snoozy with a touch of sparkle and magic.