STAR LIGHT, STAR BRIGHT, EVEN DINOSAURS SAY GOOD NIGHT

After a full day of play, even dinosaurs can benefit from a healthy bedtime routine.

A houseful of rambunctious young dinosaurs wish they could extend their playtime ’round the clock, a notion that this book’s toddler audience will have doubtless shared from time to time. “Star light, star bright, / even dinosaurs say goodnight. // They wish they may, they wish they might, / get to stay and play all night.” Three raucous, double-page scenes follow, with boisterous dinos bashing a drum, blatting on a trumpet, twanging a guitar, dancing, clomping, and jumping on beds, with every intention of “making noise the whole night through.” The artwork is charming—the brightly colored dinosaurs (all different types) are gleeful, energetic, and expressive, and to all appearances, they are having an absolutely splendid time. When the dinosaur kids cut loose in the conventionally homey setting of their room, it feels like a tamer version of Maurice Sendak’s wild rumpus, sans jungle or island. This book is about more than rumpusing, however. “Even dinosaurs say goodnight. / When it’s time, they do what’s right.” “What’s right” includes brushing one’s teeth, washing one’s face, picking up one’s toys, and climbing into a comfortable bed for a peaceful night’s rest. After all, these dinos will have a big day of loud, lively play ahead of them tomorrow. The same crew of dinos contends with being confined indoors in Rain, Rain, Go Away, the Dinosaurs All Want to Play.

A fun celebration of kids being kids that also fosters good bedtime habits; what’s not to like? (Board book. 2-5)