PW praised the exceptionally beautiful illustrations'' of thisremarkable picture book that sweeps the reader into the quiet, special world of a country night.'' Ages 4-7. (Mar.)

PreS-Gr 2 The pairing of Rylant and Szilagyi again results in a graceful blend of evocative prose and exquisite color-pencil drawings. Night in the Country explores the sights and sounds of the country's nighttime, from an apple falling to the groundpump!''to a dog's chain clinking as the animal drinks water. Rich with nuances, the images and sounds evoked by the text have brought forth deeply shadowed drawings by the artist; likewise, the text will conjure up vivid imaginings in the minds of young children. The journey through nighttime fittingly concludes that night animalswill spend a day in the country listening to you.'' Each page invites children to look, listen and explore. Night in the Country is a welcome addition to that prized collection of rhythmic, soothing nighttime readings. Anne E. Mulherkar, formerly at District of Columbia Public Lib .