The quiet, almost hypnotic text of this bedtime read-aloud is lovely and lyrical. But what makes this an extraordinary book, and one that toddlers will pick up even during the daytime, is the art. Layers of colors and textures provide interest: cut paper waves sport thick, azure gouache combed over a mottled aquamarine background, this against a slate blue sky—dominated by an enormous whale that occupies the double-page spread top to bot tom, left to right. The dozing leviathan smiles benignly as it dreams sweet dreams—possibly of the hearts and flowers that tattoo its skin. In their play ful, dreamy way, the computer-manipulated illustrations are reminiscent of Stephen Gammell’s illustrations for Will’s Mammoth (Martin, 1989). 2008 White Ravens, 2008 Shortlist for the British Book Design and Production Awards, 2010 Best Before Bed Read Aloud ( P&C Magazine ). lmp

Originally published as Zzzzz: A Book of Sleep by Meadowside Children’s Books Great Britain, in 2007.