Time for bed, little owls!

Readers must help lull young birds to sleep in this German import. An unseen narrator introduces 10 owlets as they balance atop a long tree branch. Various accessories perched on heads or tucked under wings help differentiate the siblings, along with some distinguishing physical characteristics. Mama Owl has left a note explaining that she must leave on an errand and requesting readers' help putting the owlets to bed. But the little ones aren't ready to go to sleep, so the narrator prompts readers to show the owls how to hop and flap their wings--straight into dreamland. Instead, the owls hide! It's now up to readers to find them. A string of tasks follows as the owls caper through the warm, cozy roost; readers must count, clap, shush, and, finally, yawn. By the time Mama Owl returns, all 10 fledglings are asleep (mostly). Mama Owl peers directly at readers, saying good night to them as well. Youngsters will have no trouble following suit; the interactive elements are well balanced by Alves' soothing tone and Stegmaier's cozy depiction of the owls' home. Parents hoping to encourage independent sleep in their own owlets should note that though the 10 start out in their own beds, all end up snuggling close to Mama. Bedtime cues from this woodland flock will have little ones snoozing, too.(Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.