While I Slept

The sounds and sights of the night are portrayed in streamlined verse and artwork in Bilezikian's first picture book. ``While I slept,'' says a boy, ``a cricket chirped, / and far off / in the night / a lonely bird sang: / `tweet.' '' Each page contains a phrase and highlights a single item: a brown leaf hangs suspended in a midnight blue sky, a radiator hisses steam, a golden dog barks. Moonlight weaves the images together until, at book's end, ``The moon set . . . and the sun rose in my window to say: / `hello.' '' Though this book is not as rich in language or lush in art as Ryder and Nolan's Step into the Night , Bilezikian's plain style is suitable for the preschool audience toward which this quiet work is directed. Just like a lullaby, the simple language will soothe young readers who wonder what happens while they are asleep. Ages 3-6. (Aug.)