FICTION

Good Night Sleep Tight: Eleven-and-a-Half Good Night Stories with Fox and Rabbit

illus. by Kristina Andres. 60p. Gecko Pr. Mar. 2018. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781776571437.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 2—"Fox and Rabbit lived quite far away, in a bright little house beyond the molehills." Together, the two friends have 11-and-a-half small adventures as they try different ways to say "Good Night"; camp out on the top of the hill; catch a fish in Kangaroo's pouch; sleep upside down like bats; narrowly and hilariously escape a run-in with naughty, old, umbrella-toting Granny Wolf; and more. No matter what, Fox and Rabbit keep bedtime novel with their curiosity, creativity, and loyalty to each other. Translated from German, these witty and poignant stories are best read in order as they build upon one another, referring back to previous escapades. The gentle wordplay translates well. No story is longer than 11 pages, with most coming in around three or four. The final vignette ties everything together with a sweet message of friendship and reveals Rabbit as the narrator. The illustrations, which appear to be watercolor and ink, toggle between full-bleed and spot art. Both layouts augment the whimsical attitude of the narration. Crosshatched textures and a comforting mixture of soft, warm highlights and calming cool colors on thick, creamy paper create a welcoming, rural atmosphere. Don't miss the amusing book cover hidden under the jacket.
VERDICT This is a delightful collection of short stories to be read aloud all in one glorious bedtime gulp or rationed to last a week. Perfect for public library collections.

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