Time to Sleep

If winter's in the air, hibernation can't be far behind. So when Bear senses a change of season, she thoughtfully reminds her friends and neighbors of their impending naps in this gentle introduction to fall's cycle. As autumn leaves turn color and glide to the ground, and frost covers the grass, Fleming's cast of woodland creatures prepares for the cold weather. Before Bear crawls into her cave, she tells Snail, "It is time to seal your shell and sleep." And before Snail hits the hay he tells Skunk, "It is time for you to curl up in your den and sleep." Thus the word travels until Ladybug comically delivers the news back to Bear. Fleming's simple text is ripe with astute observations of the natural world and animal behavior. Children will easily discern the distinct clues of autumn's transition to winter as well as the hibernation habits of several common animals, while enjoying this entertaining tale that doubles as a bedtime story. As in her previous titles (In the Small, Small Pond, Where Once There Was a Wood) Fleming's "pulp painting" style results in lushly textured handmade paper compositions saturated with earthy browns, reds and golds. Ages 3-7. (Sept.)

PreS--Frost on the grass. Falling leaves. Days growing shorter. A sky full of geese. Even a skin "so tight I could not eat another bite" is a sign that winter is on its way. Clearly it's not just your everyday bedtime but the long winter's sleep we're dealing with here, as Bear smells winter in the air and gets ready to hibernate. First, though, she must tell Snail, who must tell Skunk, who must tell Turtle, and so on until Ladybug brings it full circle, waking Bear to tell her...It's Time to Sleep. Fleming uses colored cotton rag fiber to create her jewel-toned illustrations, erupting here in fiery autumn colors. Their angular composition heightens the sense of activity generated by the animals' preparations until Bear's solid, slumbering form brings it all to a cozy, comfortable close. This gem of a picture book, subtly informative and poetic in its simplicity, is certain to become a staple of seasonal storyhours and nursery-school curricula. No children's collection should be without it!--Marcia Hupp, Mamaroneck Public Library, NY