Coelho, Joseph with Mary Rose Brady. Goodnight, Starry Night: Bedtime Poems Inspired by Works of Art. illus. by Allison ­Colpoys. 40p. Thames & Hudson. Oct 2024. Tr $19.95. ISBN 9780500653333.
PreS-Gr 2–This book beautifully connects poetry with famous works of art to create a landscape that supports positive sleep habits in young children. On each page, a work of art is placed next to a poem that relates directly to the art, while creating a relaxing auditory experience for young children. The art varies in date and location of creation, including works from over a hundred years ago to more contemporary pieces from around the world. Additionally, there is a diversity of media, including paintings, photography, textiles, sculpture, and more. With each page, children are introduced to global art while being simultaneously lulled to calm by the dulcet tones of their caregivers’ voices. The poems that accompany the artwork vary in design and structure to better match the art they are describing. Using repetition, rhythm, and select vocabulary, Coelho’s poems will spark readers’ curiosity and attention as they observe the artwork the poems are describing. Some verses can even be set to familiar lullaby melodies. At the end of the book, ­readers will find a list of artwork as well as detailed ­information about why sleep is so important for children and how caregivers can best support the transition from waking to sleep through interaction and stories. VERDICT This artistic picture book is best suited to bedtime reads between children and ­treasured caregivers.–Mary Lanni

Merriam, Eve. Starry Blankets: Poems for Bedtime. ed. by Ryan G. Van Cleave. illus. by Sejung Kim. 32p. Bushel & Peck/Moonshower. Sept. 2024. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781638193098.
PreS-Gr 1–Nineteen poems thoughtfully allude to night, bedtime, or the magical world of dreams. This collection uplifts Merriam’s gift for writing poetry for children with each poem celebrating the pleasures of language while being infused with a child’s point of view. With soothing repetition and alliteration that rolls off the tongue, the poems double as lullabies. Short poems like “The Magic of Moonlight” embody wonder and the playfulness that encourages repeating by heart (“Knobby green pickle,/ wrinkled purple prune,/ what can you see/ by the light of the moon?”), while the quatrains in “Nice and Tight” use alternating pronouns like “you” and “I” to create opportunities for a shared reading experience (“You be Good,/ I’ll be Night,/ tuck me in, tuck me in,/ nice and tight.”) Kim’s illustrations accompany the poems with the soft and fuzzy comfort of a favorite stuffy. Using a palette that reflects evening light and filled with sleepy animals, children snuggled under their covers, and even an occasional sea creature flying through the landscape of a dream, the illustrations encourage rest and slowing down. VERDICT A beautiful collection of poems that is sure to be a sweet naptime and bedtime companion.–Sarah Pousty