Snuggle Up, Sleepy Ones

Publishers Weekly

When the sun sinks slowly in the savanna, it's bedtime for all the animal babies. Just like their human counterparts, the leopards, giraffes and others exhibit droopy eyes, big yawns and a desire to stay up just a little bit longer ("mischievous monkeys/ shout down from the trees/ `It's not really dark yet./ Five more minutes, please!' "). What all little ones do best, however, is "snuggle up"-especially in the company of their feathered or furry siblings and mommies: "In the soft swampy mud,/ baby hippo, so snug,/ Cuddles up close/ for a big hippo hug." But author and illustrator bring little that's fresh to this familiar subject. The artwork has an under-realized quality; with the exception of one bravura spread depicting two lavishly quilled porcupines curled up into "one spiky ball," none of the animals has much personality, and their expressions seem content but rather blank. Still, Freedman's rhymes have a comforting lilt and Macnaughton's soft pastel animals portraits-set against an expansive sky that slowly changes from blazing yellow-orange to deep lavender-blue-are cute and snug. Ages 2-6. (June) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 1-As evening settles over the jungle, baby animals stop their play and settle down for the night, snuggling close to their parents. Soft, full-spread illustrations in pastels capture the warmth and coziness of the families as night draws near. The gentle tone and rhyming couplets make this a good choice for toddler storytimes and bedtime reading aloud.-Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

A myriad of young exotic animals end their day and rest their sleepy eyes in this rhythmic bedtime read. Each page offers an abundance of lavish color-the savanna terrain and friendly-faced, yet life-like animals drawn with vivid oil pastels. "The sun paints the sky / a warm, glowing red. / It's time to stop playing, / it's time for bed." Among others, a baby hippo cuddles close to mom; leopard cubs snuggle together; and wee porcupines curl up in a spiky ball. They are all safe and sound, warm and cozy, as the sun dips below the horizon. Mischievous monkeys have a last frolic and an elephant rumbles a deep lullaby. Each young creature begins its slumber as an inky purple envelops the night and it's time for dreaming. A sensory treat all around, but the flowing cadence of the rhyming couplets will lull young sleepyheads pleasantly into la-la land. (Picture book. 2-5)