cover image Tickle My Ears

Tickle My Ears

Jörg Mühle, trans. from the German by Catherine Chidgey. Gecko (Lerner, dist.), $9.99 (20p) ISBN 978-1-776570-76-8

Mühle brings a metafictional approach to familiar bedtime routines as he invites readers to help Little Rabbit get ready to turn in. After tapping Little Rabbit on the shoulder so he’ll turn around, children are asked to clap their hands so he will put on his pajamas, and they later have a chance to fluff Little Rabbit’s pillow, tuck him in, give him a goodnight kiss, and even turn out the light. Soft, crayonlike outlines and some lovely touches (Little Rabbit’s rosy cheeks have the texture of thumbprints) help establish a quiet mood that could help pave the way for smooth bedtimes on readers’ parts, too. Ages 1–2. (Sept.)