Nocturne

This short picture book is perfect for night-time read-alouds, as the topic of Jane Yolen's beautifully-written book is night. By the end of the book and after seeing all the beautiful things that only come out at night, a somewhat frightened little boy is able to sleep soundly despite the dark.

Yolen writes with tact and thought. Each of the words in this book is carefully chosen to convey feelings. The night is a "velvet night," a phrase that evokes comfort and pleasure. Yolen's diction is also fanciful, as she makes up words such as "blacksurround" and "hullaballooning" to conjure up images in the reader's or listener's mind. The writing of this picture book is exceptional, which is expected, as Jane Yolen is also a successful show more novelist.

The full-page, full-color illustrations are beautiful as well. Illustrator Anne Hunter used pen and ink, watercolors, and colored pencils to make her illustrations of owls and fireflies and a little boy in bed. The illustrations, and the entire book, are a feast for the eyes. show less

If I were restricted to buying only one bedtime book (instead of the many I do have!), this would be The ONE!
A lovely poem and illustrations suitable for all ages!