George and his nighttime friends

First published in France, this quiet picture book by author-illustrator Ratanavanh features a light brown--haired, pale-skinned child named George, who is lonely, afraid of the dark, and unable to sleep. Wishing for a nighttime friend, George is in for a surprise when an array of different animals arrives in turn: kindly guide Mouse, "Mole, the guardian of the books," elegant piano-playing Rabbit, aquaphobic Penguin, badminton champion--hopeful Panda, and chef Pig. The group has an idyllic time reading, taking a bath, and playing, among other activities, before George returns to bed. Empathic prose pinpoints sensory details: "faces glowing by candlelight, to share a dreamy feast of strawberries and cream and sprinkles." Intricate, multi-patterned watercolor and colored pencil spreads present jewel-toned settings and plenty of details to pore over, including the origin of George's new pals. This whimsical, transportive bedtime story will soothe children with nighttime fears of their own. Ages 5--8. (Oct.)

In this French import, a young child goes searching for a nighttime friend to help him overcome his fear of the dark. George has a hard time falling asleep. "I wish I had a nighttime friend, even a small one," he says one night. Answering the call is a prim little mouse, who takes this small White boy with brown hair and striped pajamas on an adventure in his own house. In wondrous illustrations that balance a calming cadence with visual curiosity, the two explorers meet new friends who also need a bit of encouragement. An elegant bunny who plays piano has stage fright. A fluffy penguin quivers in the bathroom, afraid of water. With each turn of the page, a new friend is added, and the visuals become more festive. Ratanavanh's artistic style highlights beautiful, repeated geometric patterns in a handsome color scheme that transforms a realistic bedroom into a magical landscape. Small quirky details create a thread of wonder that flows through the book--the butterflies on the wallpaper become real, smoke rises from the dollhouse chimney, and the outdoors--flowers, grasses, a lily pad--studded pond, a forest--gradually moves indoors. The gentle friends and their night of curious fun ease George's mind as they tuck him into bed. "Good night, my nighttime friends." Satisfying, comforting, and full of tender surprises. A whimsical escort from the reality of nighttime into the fantasy of dreamland. (Picture book. 3-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.