I could eat your little ears.
I could nibble on your nose.
I could munch your tiny fingers.
I could gobble up your toes.
The gentle lulling rhythm of this rhyming bedtime offering is divine. Written for the very young, it could be read to newborn babies but will still be suitable for older toddlers and preschoolers, especially as an end of day read. The text describes all the things the narrator/parent could be doing in adoration of the child, but ends with a reminder that it’s bedtime and so time for sleep. In the meantime, the kissing and cuddling and settling to bed has happened in the illustrations – between a a pair of purple elephants who could be either a male or female parent (or grandparent/carer) and child. These lovely elephants are rendered using pencil and acrylics, and digital collage using a variety of objects including fabrics, knitting and baskets.
The format of the book also makes it suitable for bedtime – the hardcover being cushioned to make it soft touch. It’s easy to imagine a toddler sleeping with the book.
Perfect as a gift for a newborn, Baby Bedtime is a book to be treasured.
Baby Bedtime, by Mem Fox & Emma Quay
Penguin, 2013
ISBN 9780670075195
Available from good bookstores and online.