The opening pages of this large trim-size picture book show a yawning parent brewing a cup of hot tea; on the opposite page, an energetic toddler stands with one foot in the fruit bowl while balanced on the coffee table, holding the pet cat overhead. The story begins: “It’s evening and Bo is being silly. He does tumblesaults on the sofa and sings as loud as he can.” Laughing, Mommy initiates bedtime, but Bo insists he’s already asleep. Perching on one leg on the edge of the sofa, Bo (presumably white) announces that he’s a parrot, explaining how the birds sleep balanced on one leg. Playing along, Bo’s mother invites the parrot to eat a bedtime snack, only to find that with a tummy full of blueberries and porridge, Bo has become a hibernating bear. The bear needs a wash, and in the bath, Bo becomes a sea otter. Playful parent-child dialog pairs with brightly colored, fluid-lined illustrations that blend the cozy interior of Bo’s home with his richly imagined animal fantasies. This translated treasure will undoubtedly inspire young readers to invent their own animal bedtime routine, complete with bedding as comfy as a mob of meerkats.     (Ages 3-7)

A New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children's Book of 2022 ★ Stretch like a giraffe and snuggle like a meerkat with Bo and Mommy as they get ready for bed!

It's time for bed, but little Bo isn't ready to stop playing quite yet! As his mother gamely guides him through his nighttime routine, he imitates various animals--a hibernating bear after eating a snack, a snuggling sea otter when taking a bath, a coiled python while curling up under the covers... Mommy joins in on the fun and keeps one step ahead of Bo until he falls asleep, soaring like a bird into the world of dreams.

A lively and imaginative take on getting ready for bed that celebrates creative family play and the joyous love between mother and son.