PreS-Gr 1 Clement, a rabbit, is having his first sleepover. Jean (an elephant) and Alan Alexander (a bear) arrive appropriately dressed in pajamas, ready to take part in the fun. The friends spend their evening in innocent pursuits, such as happily performing the chicken dance, playing hide-and-seek, and jumping on the bed. Maggie, the young girl who shares Clement's home, serves each animal an appropriate snack—a carrot, peanuts, and honey—before the three get ready to settle down for the night. Charm and humor share the spotlight in equal measure: Alan Alexander loses his pajama bottoms while jumping on the bed; a sleepy bunny hopefully asks several times, "Now is it time for bed?"; and the three make comical expressions during a "funny face" contest. Maggie reads them bedtime stories, then asks what they are grateful for and a sweet, heartfelt poem follows. McDonnell pays homage to children's literature classics, providing plenty of nods: a red balloon, a bear and a honey pot, and a rabbit in blue-and-white pajamas. VERDICT This delightful bedtime story extols the virtues of friendship and of gratitude for simple pleasures.— Maryann H. Owen, Children's Literature Specialist, Mt. Pleasant, WI

A rabbit, an elephant, and a bear have a pajama party at Maggie's house. What's up first? Jumping on the bed! Then it's the Chicken Dance, a funny-face contest, hide-and-seek, balloon bounce, yoga, and a little snack. Tired out, the trio practically sleepwalk down the hall and give thanks: "A long, long list of that and this, ending with a good-night kiss." Gentle blue tones and a soft palette close down the party, as the group snuggles up with Maggie for a perfect good night. Pen and ink, pencil, and watercolor on handmade paper highlight McDonnell's skill in portraying sweet comfort. The animals' expressive features are suffused with simple charm and humor: Bear's high bounce causes a pajama malfunction as his bottoms don't make the jump, while Elephant's one-footed tree stance defies gravity, and Rabbit's long ears flop in exhaustion. Generous white space accompanies the soft watercolor washes, which are a perfect background for frolicking friends. Endpapers of muted indigo skies promise delightful dreams. A sweet keeper for sleepers!