GOOD NIGHT, CHICKIE

Who could resist a cute yellow chick wanting a little extra comfort at bedtime? Every evening Mother Hen puts Chickie and his blue Bunny to bed. Uh-oh—Chickie sees she’s wearing her pretty necklace; is she going out? No, Mother Hen reassures him and blue Bunny they don’t need to be afraid. But Bunny gets scared and Bunny needs to go to the bathroom and Bunny needs one last kiss. This familiar story thread of a childhood experience is charmingly told only in dialogue and with expressive, simple shapes. Distinct outlines contain boldly applied swaths of color in warm, reassuring hues for maximum toddler friendliness. The illustrations of Chickie tugging the covers up to his beak and sitting on the toilet holding his Bunny are endearing. Parents will recognize what children won’t: Chickie’s colloquy with Bunny is part of his own burgeoning ability to comfort himself. And what is the good-night solution that finally does the trick? “One last kiss,” of course. This French import is a sweet dream for all parents of toddlers needing bedtime bolstering. (Picture book. 2-4)