Naughty!

Children's Literature

It's late and Big Zeb(ra) is trying to get Little Zeb to sleep—"Time for bed, Gorgeous," she says. "Cuddle up." But Little Zeb can't settle down. "Naughty," says Big Zeb when he giggles and won't mind. Mother plays games with him—peek-a-boo, whoops-a-daisy and hush-a-bye—but Little Zeb only lies down with one eye open. "That's it, Gorgeous. Tiptop," says mom and leaves. Zeb plays peek-a-boo with a butterfly, with a gazelle and finally, with Baby Hippo, who cries "Peek-a-boo to you too," and proves a most satisfactory playmate, willing to splash water and play peek-a-boo and call Little Zeb naughty, too. Then come Big Zeb and Big Hippo ("a big naughty"), who hew to the same line—"You should be in bed." But the two little ones "would not go to bed without" each other, so the mamas wrap them snugly under a banana tree, where they both look "gorgeous." The babies still aren't asleep. "Peek-a-boo," says Little Hippo, to Little Zeb's delight—"Tiptop naughty!" Mothers may find the antics of baby Zeb and baby Hippo tiresomely familiar, but children from ages one to four may delight in the animal mischief. 2001, Alfred A. Knopf, $16.99 and $14.95. Ages 1 to 4. Reviewer: Nancy Tilly

School Library Journal

PreS-Little Zeb, first introduced in Gorgeous (Crown, 2000), is back in another endearing adventure. Although the sun has begun to sink in the sky, the young zebra cannot settle down to sleep. A patient and affectionate Big Zeb plays games to tire the little one out, but to no avail: "`There,' said Big Zeb. `There's a sleepy Little Zeb.' `Where!' cried Little Zeb. `Where's a sleepy Zeb?'" When mother thinks that he is finally asleep, Little Zeb wanders off and finds another "naughty," a wakeful Little Hippo. They have some "tip top" fun before being discovered by their respective mothers, and the two miscreants consent to being tucked in if they can be together. The gentle, poetic language ("`Hush-a-bye,' whispered Little Zeb. `Cuddle up'") makes this a perfect lap book, but the warm, soft-edged illustrations would work equally well in a group presentation. A tip top addition to sleepy-time storyhours.-Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

Castle's Little Zeb (Gorgeous, not reviewed) romps his way through another adventure in a rambunctious tale about not sleeping. In a classic scenario, Big Zeb tucks Little Zeb in for the night but Little Zeb has other ideas. Like an impish toddler, Little Zeb gleefully throws off his covers and prances about. Even a few last-minute games with his parent fail to tucker out the little tike. Creeping out of his bed, Little Zeb discovers a playmate in fellow bedtime truant Little Hippo, and together they splash and play until their parents return. What's a weary parent to do? Put the two to bed together, of course, but this mischievous duo has a surprise ending in store for readers. Castle's tale is perfect for toddlers, who will immediately empathize with Little Zeb and his antics. Childs's cheery illustrations capture the spirit of this fun-loving tale; Little Zeb is roguishly charming and disarmingly adorable at the same time. Brightly hued landscapes create a striking contrast to the black and white zebra figures, providing readers with dynamic, stimulating illustrations. While not precisely conducive to a peaceful transition to slumber, Castle and Childs pack a whole lot of fun into one oversized book. A playful tale to share with tots at bedtime or beyond. (Picture book. 2-5)