George and His Nighttime Friends

First published in France, this quiet picture book by author-illustrator Ratanavanh features a light brown–haired, pale-skinned child named George, who is lonely, afraid of the dark, and unable to sleep. Wishing for a nighttime friend, George is in for a surprise when an array of different animals arrives in turn: kindly guide Mouse, “Mole, the guardian of the books,” elegant piano-playing Rabbit, aquaphobic Penguin, badminton champion–hopeful Panda, and chef Pig. The group has an idyllic time reading, taking a bath, and playing, among other activities, before George returns to bed. Empathic prose pinpoints sensory details: “faces glowing by candlelight, to share a dreamy feast of strawberries and cream and sprinkles.” Intricate, multi-patterned watercolor and colored pencil spreads present jewel-toned settings and plenty of details to pore over, including the origin of George’s new pals. This whimsical, transportive bedtime story will soothe children with nighttime fears of their own. Ages 5–8. (Oct.)