A Monstrous Bedtime

Bedtime gets rebooted with a “monstrous” twist in Wilson’s exuberant, imagination-fueled picture book. As a pale-skinned youth preps for bed, the routine unfurls with “a cup of water,// a fan whirring/ gently,/ a story, and a song.” But the telling takes an ebullient turn when the child is awakened by a sock-wearing, tentacled monster beneath the bed claiming, “I’m not sleepy.” The pair gets to work recreating the original bedtime formula—with an energetic flair. Thanks to an overflowing sink, the drink of water leaves the deep teal creature “soggy” rather than “sleepy,” and the fans used to rectify the situation end up creating a windstorm. Scratchy drawings deftly capture the chaos via homey scenes that grow increasingly cluttered amid the pair’s invigorating play. After dozens of books and a rousing vocal performance, the child finally begins to yawn—and the bedtime routine’s third time finally proves a charm. Ages 4–8. (Aug.)