  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 09/01/2009 PreS-K— The sun is setting in the jungle, and animal mothers are gathering their babies close to settle them for the night. Each mother encourages her little one(s) to go to sleep with soft words of comfort in this counting book, beginning with a rhino saying, "Sleep" to her one baby, a monkey softly urging, "Rest" to her two babies, etc., until finally, elephants assemble their ten babies to rest by the river, as shown in a foldout. The song "Over in the Meadow" is the inspiration for the book's verses. What distinguishes this title is its stunning illustrations. The story begins with a hint of daylight in the background, and with each subsequent spread the sun gradually sets in tones of pink, lilac, violet, and then deep blue as the moon gently rises and stars appear in the night sky. The animals are depicted in their natural settings in soothing shades that are sure to bring about the calm that encourages sleep. A lovely addition.—C. J. Connor, Campbell County Public Library, Cold Spring, KY - Copyright 2009 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 09/15/2009 The children’s song Over in the Meadow is gently recast as a nocturnal lullaby from all the jungle mamas to their babies. From the rhino with her single child to the elephants with their 10 babies, the story follows a variety of animals with an ascending number of offspring as they settle in for the night. Using pastel-hued acrylics and colored pencils, Butler creates dreamy and dusky landscapes certain to soothe the wildest of human beasts. The book can be read or easily sung to the familiar tune (though unfortunately the music is not included in the back pages). When the story reaches the tenth example, a die-cut fold-out page adds a nice element of surprise as it allows us to see every last elephant snuggling along a grassy bank. Parents will enjoy this intimate way to introduce bedtime and animals to their fidgety little ones. - Copyright 2009 Booklist. Loading...
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