The bear, the book, and the blanket

In Peacock and Adamson's systematic story, a fluffle of blue bunnies comically assist with a baby's pre-bed routine, working to locate "Bear, Book, and Blanket." First tasked with finding Bear, the googly eyed rabbits (clad in a variety of outfits and accessories, and introduced in front matter with different "B" names) produce a pile of stuffie possibilities, while Bobbie bunny is called out for withholding Baby's favorite bear. Locating Book requires an enthusiastic turn through the stacks, and when Blanket is discovered to have been newly laundered, the clever crew "hug it, and tug it" so it will "smell of cuddles, just the way Baby likes." After one additional step, the brown-skinned infant at last shuts their eyes, leaving the hares to benefit from their own tuck-in cycle. With colored pencil styling, bright unlined art gives the bunnies personable characteristics such that any reader might wish for similar bedtime assistants. Ages 2--5. (Nov.)

A fluffle of bunnies are on an alliterative mission to get a human infant to sleep. Ten bright-blue rabbits, each with names beginning with B, tromp into Baby's room. The narrator quickly reminds the bunnies that it's Baby's bedtime. "SHHHHHHH." But wait. "Baby needs Bear, Book, and Blanket." The cottontails quickly begin searching for Baby's teddy. Many are found, but none of them are Baby's cherished plaything. Finally, Baby is reunited with Bear. (Turns out one of the bunnies, Bobbie, had found the plush toy and was reluctant to part with it--a scene that will have readers chuckling.) Time to find Book and Blanket! As the eager bunnies scurry off chaotically, the weary narrator tries to rein them in: "Bunnies…you don't need to takeallthe books offallthe shelves." (A nonplussed cat looks on.) The bunnies all wear distinct items of clothing so readers can follow their various paths, noting their contributions toward Baby's nighttime goal. The droll narration pairs well with the scampering helpers, who never give up. Understandably, all the bunnies are exhausted by book's end. It's now time for them to snuggle up with their own bears, books, and blankets. Hopefully, sleepy readers will follow suit. In Adamson's flat, exaggerated cartoon art, Baby has brown skin and a single squiggle of brown hair. A silly bedtime caper, likely to elicit more giggles than yawns.(Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.