Isadora (I Hear a Pickle) revisits the rural African setting of some of her fairy tale retellings in a story spotlighting the age-old phenomenon of bedtime stalling. Despite her parents' directives to come indoors, a girl named Lala—pictured with deep brown skin, spiky braids, and a cream-colored shift dress—insists that she needs to say good night to every animal in sight. "I just want to say good night to the cat," she says, before moving on to a nearby goat, bird, monkey, dog, chickens, and (as her options dwindle) a trail of ants and a rock. The repetition gives the story a predictable, lilting cadence that invites children to echo Lala's good night wishes. Eventually, she climbs into bed with a copy of Goodnight Moon and bids the moon good night; oddly, she ignores the baby sibling asleep beside her bed. Through the setting is never described more specifically than the "African veld," Isadora's dramatic oil-and-ink artwork offers tender portraits of Lala gently interacting with each animal against a darkening landscape as the sun descends, the moon rises, and shadows emerge. Ages 3–5. (Mar.)

PreS—Papa comes in from fishing as the sun sets over the African veld. Papa tells Lala that it's bedtime, but Lala asks to say good night to the cat, bird, goat, monkey, dog, rock, etc. Her patient mother looks on and gently prods her toward settling down. When Lala finally climbs into bed, she just has to say good night to her book. She smiles at the moon outside her window while holding a copy of Goodnight Moon. This gentle title is wholly original and a homage to the classic bedtime story. The oil paint and ink illustrations show a darkening sky and details of life in an unspecified African village; for instance, there are images of women carrying items on their heads, and the child's bedroom is a thatched hut. Universalities, such as a loving family coaxing an adorably stalling child to bed, are also depicted. VERDICT A charming, soothing bedtime tale that begs to be shared again and again.—Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

PreS-K—In a village on the African plains, it is time for Lala to go to bed. However, the young girl begs her parents for extension after extension, using the excuse contained in the book's title. In a series of bright, expressive spreads, she dutifully bids goodnight to the fish, the cat, the bird, the goat, the monkey, the chickens, the ants, and even a rock. The ritual complete, Lala is finally ready for bedtime. But wait! One more item beckons: a book, which eagle-eyed readers will recognize as the beloved classic Goodnight Moon—a clear influence on the gentle narrative. VERDICT Parents and children may find their own protracted bedtime negotiations lovingly reflected in this worthy title.