The Problem with Pajamas

It's been a "Code Red" day of clothing discomfort for light-skinned, brown-haired Cody, who can't wait to strip down to an undershirt and underpants and lie on the living room floor. Surrounded by wholly supportive, fully animate plush toys, Cody lets out an "Ahhhh" that extends across almost the entire page. When their father bursts in with a cheery, "It's PAJAMA TIME," Cody is having none of it. Even though the plushies argue the virtues of pj's ("They cuddle me softly and warm up my toesies," asserts a space alien toy), Cody won't give in. When it turns out that wearing pajamas is deeply unsettling for the child, Dad wisely doesn't insist, instead offering the perfect garment for sleeping and saving face. "It feels... like you really get me Dad," says Cody, as fist bumps are exchanged. Stohler's (The Best Worst Poet Ever) story of underthings and understanding has all the marks of a well-crafted sitcom: a magnetic star player, an endearing supporting cast, expertly placed comic beats, and lots of jaunty dialogue--including a performed song with the chorus, "My clo-o-othes done me wrong!" Ages 4-8. Agent: Thao Le, Sandra Dijkstra Literary. (Feb.)

Little Cody's itchy, wrinkly, too-tight clothes have her singing the blues; she sheds them as soon as she comes home. She definitely does not want to put on pajamas that can scritch and scratch and trap and zap and make feet sweat tonight! After listening to her sing her delightfully bluesy song of woe, her father tries to convince her that pajamas can be snuggly, cuddly, and cute. Cody's friends, Charles monkey, Dean-O dinosaur, Ziggy cat, and Mr. Birdinhand all love pajamas for their long sleeves, warmth, and safety. Only her little alien-looking friend is on her side. Leave it to her father to come up with an alternative solution when Cody decides that she needs to wear something to feel cozy—and not pajamas. The charming antics of Cody and her comical friends fill the pages in pastel vignettes and double-page spreads that burst with energy, mirthful expressions, and details that emerge with repeated readings. Cody's soulful songs have a wonderful rhythm, and her speech bubble conversations with her father and friends are witty and eloquent, yet authentic. VERDICT This perfect bedtime read is also a lovely example of a father-daughter relationship and a reminder that children need to be able to express their true feelings and be treated with patience and understanding.—MaryAnn Karre, Binghamton, NY