FINISH THE STORY, DAD
by Nicola Smee & illustrated by Nicola Smee
Wakeful Ruby wants the rest of her book now, but Dad is firm: not till tomorrow. Sent back to bed, Ruby is visited by a lion who starts her on a journey from animal to animal, each offering a different alternative to finishing the book and each tired out by Ruby's persistence. When she falls out of bed, thus ending her dream-adventure, Dad's ready to relent—but Ruby is fast asleep. The deftly drawn illustrations are the best feature of this twist on a familiar scenario; Ruby is especially winsome and appealing. (Picture book. 2-7)