Reviewed by Dale Harcombe
The rhyme and rhythm of this picture book is perfect for the story of four mice who are tired but suddenly become very active , skittering and scampering around when Mum and Dad say it’s time for bed.
The text and accompaniying illustrations take the reader through all the routines the mice do before bedtime, routines of bath times and brushing teeth and kisses goodnight that young children will be familiar with. The repetition of once and twice is effective in the story. Sometimes it is
Kiss Grandpa once,
Kiss Grandpa twice.
Other times it is
Mum sighs once.
Dad sighs twice.
This is a gentle tale that will delight young children and provide a satisfactory ending to a day. It is a story filled with warmth and family love.
The illustrations are cute. Although they are not overly imbued with colour most of the time, they are warm and suit the gentle text. The faces of the mice are very expressive. I particularly liked the bath Time illustrations and those of the scampering, scrambling scurrying fun. I loved the books on the bookshelf and the mice being read a bedtime book. Even the end papers are a delight to pore over with the little mice in various activities.
This is sure to become a book young children and parents will be happy to read again and again.
Goodnight, Mice!
Text Frances Watts
Illustrations Judy Watson
Hard cover picture book $24.99
ABC for Kids
HarperCollins Publishers
Available in good bookstores or online from Fishpond.