Night Sounds

PreS-Gr 1—Just as the animals of the rain forest are being lulled to sleep, a little one crying in an abandoned box disturbs them all. Exactly who it is is obscured from view. As the sound continues, some of the animals are cranky or irritated or annoyed. Yet, one by one they respond to the youngster and provide the requested blanket, drink, snack, and company. The final request is "I want my Mummy!" so Tiger finds her, and returns riding on the mother elephant's back. A happy reunion ensues though the mother's reason for being away ("I went to visit your grandparents, but now I'm back") seems quite inadequate and rather neglectful. As the creatures finally go to sleep, loud crying awakens them again, and they are mad. This time it's a village baby who is upset and the little elephant knows just what is needed. "A KISS. THAT CHILD MUST HAVE A KISS! THEN WE CAN ALL GO BACK TO SLEEP." The text is amusing, sweet, and engaging. Urberuaga's illustrations in watercolor, ink and, crayon are a fine match to the text though the animals' snouts are a tad exaggerated. Their expressions are clear, and the charming details on every page are amusing.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH