A CHILD’S GOOD NIGHT PRAYER

A sweet ode of gratitude for the simple pleasures in a child’s life. Maccarone’s (A Child Was Born, not reviewed, etc.) rhyming verses, containing just a twinkling of humor, enumerate the many things for which little ones can be grateful. The eclectic list begins in a haphazard fashion; each four-line stanza is organized more according to rhyme than category, with the blessings heaped on the night sky and toy cars with equal fervor. Yet, despite this unorthodox coupling, Maccarone gets at the core of a child’s universe, the favorite and familiar: the toys, furniture, and all the minutiae adults so easily pass over but are so vital to and loved by children. By the conclusion, the narrators have expanded beyond the limits of their own sphere to include a heartfelt blessing of the wide world. “Bless the water, / earth, and air / Bless the children / everywhere.” Williams’s (Sleepy Me, p. 590, etc.) softly drawn illustrations reflect the spirit of the poem. Full-bleed paintings in a symphony of sleepy-time hues set the tone for slumber. From mischievous tots whimsically perched atop the moon and stars to a child cuddling with stuffed animals, Williams deftly combines fantastical landscapes with cozy, comforting real-world images. A gentle reminder for youngsters (and adults, too) to be grateful for the small things. (Picture book. 2-6)