ARE YOU READY FOR BED?

When her wee bunny is unable to sleep, a mother rabbit calls upon her entire repertoire of soothing tactics to settle her little one down for the night. Awakened by cries of “I can’t sleep,” the bleary-eyed mother looks into the sparkling eyes of her youngest offspring and knows she’s in for a rambunctious night. Little Bunny has decided that staying up all night is the best way to get some extra-special Mommy time. From lullabies to warm baths, to even warmer milk, nothing seems to tucker out the tireless pip-squeak. Eventually it is the sheer exuberance of the young bunny that wears him out, as he dozes off mid-hop. Yet, as is the lot of weary parents and caregivers everywhere, the beleaguered Mrs. Rabbit just settles into bed when she hears the now-familiar wail from her next youngest child. Johnson’s tale is simply, sweetly told. Mrs. Rabbit exhibits endless patience and care, enveloping her child with warm, albeit weary, affection. Young readers will readily recognize Mrs. Rabbit’s familiar lullaby and playful rhymes, which are given a bunny twist: “Hush-a-bye bunny on the tree top,” and “Rub-a-dub dub, my bunny needs a scrub.” Hansen’s gently shaded, soft-pastel illustrations echo the tender loving care of the tale. Her captivating pictures feature an utterly cuddly bunny with an impish glint in his eye and a jaunty tilt to his long floppy ears. Like its energetic protagonist, this winsome tale is hard to resist. (Picture book. 3-5)