WHERE DO YOU SLEEP, LITTLE ONE?

A series of questions and answers couched in rhymed couplets investigates the resting places of a succession of wild and domestic animals, ranging from the chipmunk to the wren, to the pony, goat, and sheep in this gentle bedtime story. “Little spider on the wall, / Tell me, do you sleep at all? / When the stars light up the skies, / I weave a cradle, just my size.” The language is soft and sibilant, like a lullaby. Even though danger lurks outside, each animal has a place of refuge. The unusual artwork, with unifying motifs of embossed monochromatic eucalyptus leaves and detailed insects, was made with oil paint on prepared, French, handmade Arches paper. The animals were cut out, arranged in layers, and then photographed against embossed backgrounds. Although some of the animals verge on cuteness, the predominant visual impression is one of natural textures. The cover and the title prefigure the ending, revealed in pictures only, where the animals gather around a stable, a white cloth radiating light from a manger, a resting place for one unseen child. The harmonious art, gentle verses, and comforting yet mysterious view of nature should make this a nursery favorite. (Picture book. 2-6)