SLEEPY ME

McGee (Forest Child, not reviewed, etc.) serenades readers with a softly lilting ode to somnolence. As a father and child wind their way through the quieting house, a gentle litany enumerating the many dozy creatures eases the little one to sleep. From a napping field mouse to sleepy toys, McGee’s simple rhymes convey the increasing drowsiness of the house and its inhabitants, culminating in the sweet repose of the child. McGee weaves her tranquil verses into a cozy, comforting lullaby for wee ones. The repetitive rhythm lulls readers, preparing them for slumber. “Sleepy star. / Sleepy tree. / Sleepy breeze blows in on me.” Williams’s (Jiggle, Joggle, Jee, p. 420, etc.) expressive watercolors echo the mellowness of the tale. Darkening shadows overlay the rich colors of the illustrations, artfully portraying the sense of encroaching twilight. Tender scenes depicting a tired tot cuddled up on daddy’s shoulder are signature Williams; a myriad of benevolent beings, animate and not, smile down upon the tousle-headed, cherubic child. The integration of the verses into the illustrations, with the whimsical placement of the text within the pages evokes the swaying tempo of the poem, creating a seamless union between word and picture. An enchanting addition to a child’s repertoire of bedtime tales. (Picture book. 1-5)