TEN IN THE BED

A dynamic version of the familiar counting ditty and storytime staple. The painterly illustrations featuring bright colors and bold forms and patterns are the star attraction. The stage is a chameleon-like bed that changes into—among, other things—a disco, a pirate ship, a castle tower and an airplane. The actors are stuffed animals with names like “the Snorer,” “Cook,” “Ballerina” and “Doctor.” Rather than “move over,” as in the traditional verse, these critters rush, groan, roll and bounce according to the role of the next one to leave the bed. Instead of falling out, as the text says, they gracefully balance on head- and footboards and float freely through space. Literal? No. Yet, there’s an engaging sense of rhythm and actions in the simple yet imaginative two-page spreads that is balanced by the safe and sunny atmosphere. (Picture book. 2-5)