Bunny Should Be Sleeping

 A snuggly, soothing bedtime read.

On a winter night, Bunny's awake in bed, his surroundings soft and cozy: "Bunny's toes are warm. His blanket is soft, and the moon hovers over the pond." He's waiting for his father, who "will come in the night to check on his little Bunny." The youth waits until he can't any longer ("He just needs his dad!"), and Liwska (Winter: A Solstice Story) shows in tranquil digitally created spreads Bunny placing a thermos of water, a blanket and cookie, and the duo's favorite book in a wagon and setting off for Dad's room. There, he enjoys the blanket, cookie, and water himself before tapping Dad on the nose. "You forgot to check on me," Bunny says. "So, here I am." "Indeed," Dad replies, before holding out his arms. "Sometimes a dad just needs his little bunny," whispers Dad. "Indeed," Bunny replies. Back in Bunny's room, the two cuddle as they share the book. In yearning text, Hest (Sometimes It's Nice to Be Alone) captures the way time can move slowly when someone's on their own, the way an attentive presence can meet needs, and the sense that Bunny is learning to love well by mirroring Dad's words and actions: "Dad checks on Bunny. Bunny checks on Dad." Ages 4-8. (Mar.)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Toddler-PreS--Hest (Kiss Good Night) and Liwska (The Quiet Book) team up to create the ideal bedtime book for young readers. Bunny slides out of his crib in the middle of the night to check on his dad, because his dad forgot to check on him. He gathers everything his dad will need (water, blanket, cookie, and "their special favorite book with so many favorite pictures") in a wagon he then pulls down the hall. The elder bunny is eventually awakened and the pair head back to the crib where the last page depicts the pair cuddled cozily together by the light of the moon. The soft and simple prose combined with muted pastel illustrations will reassure little ones that they are safe at night, even when alone. Parents and caregivers will enjoy the tender care shown to the elder bunny, and perhaps a conversation about how members of a family tend to one another may come next. VERDICT As cozy as the snuggle between a toddler and caregiver, this book should be on all picture bookshelves.--Carrie Voliva

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

★ "Quiet and reassuring, though laced with humor, the book strikes the perfect tone for bedtime reading, exuding comfort and the joy to be found in nightly routines."—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

★ " In yearning text, Hest (Sometimes It's Nice to Be Alone) captures the way time can move slowly when someone's on their own, the way an attentive presence can meet needs, and the sense that Bunny is learning to love well by mirroring Dad's words and actions."—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review