Bertie at Bedtime

From School Library Journal PreSchool-K—This is not a lull-your-child-to-bed picture book. On the contrary, it is something of a manual on how to tire out parents. Bertie is an engaging and lively hippo whose father tries, and tries again, to usher him toward sleep. The relationship between parent and son seems to be a cheerful imbalance of power, with Daddy making suggestions and Bertie making demands. "Now it's time for bed," says Daddy after a game of hide-and-seek. "Not yet,' says Bertie. 'First a story.'" After reading three, Daddy yawns. "'Off to bed now,' he says. "'Not yet,' says Bertie. 'First let's dance.'" Then, of course, Bertie wants a glass of water and to go to the potty, where he sits and looks through a pile of books. Guess who falls asleep first? The illustrations are sweet, funny, and colorful. Pfister uses the same floral design on walls, carpets, furniture, and Bertie's shorts, in different and pleasing color combinations. Children will enjoy this story, but beware of reading it aloud at bedtime; it could give youngsters some really fatiguing ideas. Bertie's last words to his snoozing father are, "Good night, Daddy…. Tomorrow we can play some more."—