THE NOT-SO-SLEEPY LITTLE PANDA

A young panda is reluctant to go to sleep until the real reason she’s been putting off bedtime comes to light.

Little Panda plays all day with her friends, but when it’s time to climb into bed, she isn’t ready. She tries to explain to Mama that her friends are still up, so why can’t she stay awake, too? Mama tiptoes with her through the forest to show her that Bird, Monkey, and Little Lion are all fast asleep. Back at home, Little Panda grumbles that her pillow is too thick, and she’s hungry and even a little thirsty, too. Mama and Papa try reading aloud and singing, but nothing helps. Finally, Little Panda admits that she’s afraid of the dark. Mama thoughtfully asks some fireflies if they’ll share their light; they agree, and Mama fills a jar with a few insects—a makeshift night light! Walker’s gentle rhymes (“Come, my sweet girl, day’s turned into night. / So drift off to sleep and close your eyes tight”) will lull readers to sleep even amid Little Panda’s protests. Mama and Papa meet every obstacle with reassurance and patience (though their eyes become increasingly drowsy, and their heads droop down). Smudged greens, blues, and purples wrap readers in a cozy nighttime blanket, getting them ready for sleep, too.

A sweet nighttime offering that will lead to snuggles and yawns.