TIME FOR BED, FRED!

A hilarious, not-ready-for-bed book starring Fred—an irrepressible and irresistible dog—and his diversionary tactics, in whose spirit parents and children will lovingly find the familiar.

Fred is a bedtime-avoidance pro. When the clock chimes 8 o’clock, he’s off and up to his old antics. The owner’s affectionate yet exasperated remonstrations aptly capture a parent’s bedtime struggle, as Fred continues to hide and make mischief. He pretends a chair, laundry basket—and, yes, the parent’s bed!—is his own. At last, Fred’s asleep, tucked in to the appropriate bed. Playful illustrations in an autumnal palette will endear the pup to readers, as he gleefully climbs, digs and splashes through mud. Ismail applies her watercolors skillfully, capturing the precision of Leo Lionni’s collage work and the exuberance of Mary Blair’s palette. Each mark has an energy, purpose and thought to it. The sophisticated and loose artwork is the ideal match for the simple, emotive text.

A perfectly designed read-aloud for the bedtime staller. A sheer delight! (Picture book. 1-5)