STAR LIGHT, STAR BRIGHT, EVEN DINOSAURS SAY GOOD NIGHT

After a full day of play, even dinosaurs can benefit from a
healthy bedtime routine.

A houseful of rambunctious young dinosaurs wish they could
extend their playtime ’round the clock, a notion that this book’s toddler
audience will have doubtless shared from time to time. “Star light, star
bright, / even dinosaurs say goodnight. // They wish they may, they wish they
might, / get to stay and play all night.” Three raucous, double-page scenes
follow, with boisterous dinos bashing a drum, blatting on a trumpet, twanging a
guitar, dancing, clomping, and jumping on beds, with every intention of “making
noise the whole night through.” The artwork is charming—the brightly colored
dinosaurs (all different types) are gleeful, energetic and expressive, and to
all appearances, they are having an absolutely splendid time. When the dinosaur
kids cut loose in the conventionally homey setting of their room, it feels like
a tamer version of Maurice Sendak’s wild rumpus, sans jungle or island. This
book is about more than rumpusing, however. “Even dinosaurs say goodnight. / When
it’s time, they do what’s right.” “What’s right” includes brushing one’s teeth,
washing one’s face, picking up one’s toys, and climbing into a comfortable bed
for a peaceful night’s rest. After all, these dinos will have a big day of
loud, lively play ahead of them tomorrow. The same crew of dinos contends with
being confined indoors in Rain, Rain, Go
Away, the Dinosaurs All Want to Play.