Hodder Children’s Books ISBN 9781444927894 £6.99
This gentle picture book explains to young children the importance of night time rituals. If you have a toddler or infant who is resistant to brushing their teeth, having a bath, changing into pyjamas, or avoiding going to bed altogether, this is a great one to share! With sly comic irony, the book explores the gentle interplay between friends Hippopotamus, Sloth Lemur, Mr Skunk, Sheep and Mr Panda. The pictures tell the story beautifully through large spreads, and textured images. I particularly liked the use of space to indicate the subtle need of each character to copy each other’s behaviour. I did enjoy the humour of skunk only having a bath once a year. I can imagine young children saying the same thing deeming further washing unnecessary. A welcome addition to the series of Mr Panda books which will delight many. Age range 3 – 5.
Isabel Macdonald