The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
	The Bulletin Dozen is a monthly theme-based list of titles available only on-line. Since we're awfully fond of bakers here at the Bulletin, we thought we'd adopt their philosophy of generosity and throw in an extra one or two when we have them to offer--so don't expect an even dozen. Please feel free to copy, download, or link to these lists. We ask only that you cite the source. See the archive for lists from previous months.
	Bedtime Books selected by Elizabeth Bush

Sometimes children need a little nudge toward the Land of Nod--something to calm the senses, plant the seed of a sweet dream, or arm the psyche against things that "go bump in the night." Here are some bedtime gems culled from our last few issue years, as well as a few old reliables too good to pass by. It is with the highest praise that we say, "These books will put kids to sleep."

• Bang, MollyTen, Nine, Eight

  A classic countdown for the youngest listeners, from ten washed and warm toes, through three goodnight kisses, to "one big girl all ready for bed." (BCCB 7/83)

• Brown, Margaret WiseThe Sleepy Men

  Rayevsky's edgy, angular, scrawly illustrations add a surreal touch to this musing on the Man in the Moon. (BCCB 1/97)

• Browne, AnthonyGood Night, Gorilla

  The zookeeper thinks his work's done for the night, but the animals have followed him home. No words, only chuckles. (BCCB 5/94)

• Cooper, Helen The Boy Who Wouldn't Go to Sleep

  In the dreamy haze between waking and sleeping, a little boy tries to convince his world to stay awake with him. (BCCB 9/97)

• Ho, Minfong Hush!: A Thai Lullaby

  It's the same the world over--children will climb out of bed despite their parents' best efforts. A pulsing, predictable rhyme rocks listeners off to dreamland. (BCCB 5/96)

• Koller, Jackie French No Such Thing

  Yes, Mom, there are monsters under that bed, but fortunately they're friendly. (BCCB 4/97)

• London, Jonathan Like Butter on Pancakes

  London poetically traces a little boy's day on the farm, from the first warm sunlight at dawn to the cool moonlight at bedtime. (BCCB 2/95)

• Manushkin, Fran Peeping and Sleeping

  A father and son check out the night noises and accidentally bring a hitchhiking pond "peeper" home in a slipper. (BCCB 7/94)

• McDonald, Suse The Spider Who Created the World (May 96)

  Less a bedtime tale than on original creation myth, this gently explores the genesis of the heavenly bodies that govern the hours. (BCCB 5/96)

• McGuire, Richard Night Becomes Day

  Stylish retro graphics enliven a chain of connective phrases that bring the day full circle. (BCCB 12/94)

• Raschka, Chris Can't Sleep

  Here's welcome reassurance that the guardian moon watches over restive sleepers. (BCCB 10/95)

• Riley, Linnea Mouse Mess

  Bold, graphic-like collages follow a mouse's nocturnal antics. So that's why the kitchen's a mess in the morning! (BCCB12/97)

• Waber, Bernard Ira Sleeps Over

  Old enough to go on an overnight, but young enough to need his teddy bear--Ira agonizes over this common social dilemma. (BCCB 2/73)

• Wood, Audrey The Napping House

  This cumulative chant piles everyone off to bed, literally, and then wakes them up with a bang. (BCCB 9/84)

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