UNDER THE SLEEPY STARS
by Stephanie Shaw ; illustrated by Rebecca Harry
Mama Owl and her baby owlet look down on the forest, watching as the animals settle down for the night.
The conversation between Owlet and Mama is presented in rhyming quatrains. Baby asks: “Mama, who sings a song / until Mouse falls asleep?” Mama answers: “The crickets sing high notes. / The bullfrogs sing deep.” The pair looks on as a mother mouse, deer, bunny, and bear all settle down in sleepy heaps with their young. When the sun begins to rise, it is time for Mama Owlet to rock her own little one to sleep: “Mama, who do you love / the way those mamas do?” “My sweet, precious Owlet, I’ll always love you.” The illustrations present the forest at night as a delicate world of greens and blues, illuminated by the soft glow of the moon and stars. The sleeping animals look equally peaceful and full of love, from bunnies to bears. The reassuring message, lilting language, quiet illustrations, and thick, padded cover make this one suitable for soothing little ones to sleep.
A sweet selection to help comfort and pacify baby at bedtime.
(Board book. 1-3)