My Bedtime Monster

PreS-Gr 1—Originally published in German in 1990 as The Animal with the Sparkling Eyes, this is the tale of Rikki, who wishes for a pet that can fulfill her every wish, one that will be "soft and cuddly" but also "quick and strong," able to fly, swim, and change size to be "so small, it could hide anywhere," and "so big it could protect me." Her parents express disbelief that such a pet exists, but that night Rikki is woken by just such a creature. Resembling a hippo with a unicorn's horn; human limbs; friendly, long-lashed eyes; and wings and a tail that appear as needed, Rikki's pet takes her on an evening of adventures on land, in the air, and under the sea. Like a responsive and caring adult, the monster knows how to be just exciting enough, by turns roughhousing with Rikki and standing guard over her. The playful, slightly surreal abstract art is by Czech illustrator Pacovská, winner of a Hans Christian Andersen Medal for her lifetime contributions to children's literature. Accented with shiny silver quadrangles, the rich, saturated greens, blues, and reds contribute to the fantastical feeling of the book. By contrast, Schwarz's text is simple and straightforward, allowing young readers to interpret the story as they wish and making it, despite the presence of a nighttime monster, not too overwhelming for even younger audiences.