B Is for Bedtime

A rosy-cheeked girl with a bobbed haircut narrates this lovely bedtime-themed abecedary, originally published in Australia. Hamilton’s hushed rhymes proceed briskly while keeping energy levels low and steady (“S is for Sandman and Sleep in my eyes./ T for my Teddy, who’s here till sunrise”). The soft palette of Pignataro’s mixed-media illustrations—which make use of pencil, paint, and collaged elements—are equally well-suited to creating a bedtime-ready mood as the letter Z approaches; while the girl holds her canvas-textured blanket close to her chin, a mobile of clouds, a moon, and angel wings hangs overhead. Images of alphabetically relevant objects create opportunities for side conversations about words beginning with each letter. Cozy and comforting, this should easily send kids (and a few tired adults) right to sleep. Ages 3–6. (Sept.)