I Just Want to Say Good Night: Rachel Isadora

In a small village on the African veld, it's time for Lala to go to bed. But before she does, she must say goodnight to so many. There is the goat, the dog, the monkey, the ants, and more. All must be wished well by Lala before she goes to sleep.

The sun sets in Rachel Isadora's sweeping, painterly illustrations, and the spreads shift from warm to cool. The book is full of atmosphere. My personal favorite is the dedication page. 

In a sweet homage to Margaret Wise Brown, Lala says goodnight to her book and the full moon out of her window. Add this beautiful, bedtime book to your goodnight ritual. After saying goodnight to all. 

I Just Want to Say Good Night

Rachel Isadora

Nancy Paulsen Books, 2022

More, more, more: Lilah Tov Good Night: Ben Gundersheimer

 

This precious book is not to be missed. The main character is saying good night to all around her after a "long and beautiful day." 

"Lilah Tov to the roosters and hens

Lilah Tov to the bears in their dens"

The depth of the work is in the secondary story, or actually the main story. The family is leaving their home in the night and traveling on foot to a new land. She says good night to the creatures she passes, the beach, and the waves. She speaks to the stars at sea, and the fish. Finally, reaching land, the journey continues until she is in a new home. There she snuggles down and wishes the reader, and all, a good night. The family menorah has traveled the distance from one window to another.

Brilliant beauty. The art was done in pencil and digitally rendered. Noar Lee Naggan's paintings are luminous. The best of the best from publisher Nancy Paulsen, as usual. 

Lilah Tov Good Night

by Ben Gundersheimer

illustrated by Noar Lee Naggan

Nancy Paulsen Books

More, more, more: A Round of Robins

A Round of Robins is such a joyful, lyrical presentation of nonfiction. Following a pair of robins, the rocking rhythm and rhyme brings tenderness to creation. And reviews agree:

«  “A charmer of an animal family story, with rhymes that are a pleasure to read aloud.” – Publisher’s Weekly, starred review

«  “An utterly charming choice for most collections, perfect for one-on-one and small group ­sharing.” – School Library Journal, starred review

«  “Follow a pair of robin parents as they raise not one but two sets of baby robins in this factual and funny volume.” – The Horn Book, starred review

Here is my favorite spread:

A heater hides on Mama's chest
To warm each egg inside her nest
With sensors set at incubake,
In just a dozen days she'll make
Four little ones all set to hatch-
An up-and-coming birdie batch.

Sergio Ruzzier's art in muted colors with expressive characters adds to the charm. Happy National Poetry month, everyone. Enjoy this delight with your readertotz! 

A Round of Robins
by Katie Hesterman 
illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier 
Nancy Paulsen Books, 2018