From Publishers Weekly
Youngsters well know the opening lines of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Sylvia Long revisits the classic and includes the traditional verses "When the blazing sun is gone,/ When he nothing shines upon,/ Then you show/ your little light,/ Twinkle, twinkle,/ all the night" alongside celestial watercolor depictions of critters heading home at nightfall. A baby frog eats grubs for supper; a mouse is tucked under the covers. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
reS-The traditional lullaby is told in its entirety, as the poetic images celebrate the star appearing when the sun sets, guiding the traveler in the dark, glowing throughout the night, and remaining always mysterious. The luminous watercolors show an unusual group of anthropomorphic animals gazing in awe from a hilltop at the first star of the evening and then separating to go home to their loving parents. The frogs have a fine dinner of worms and insects, the chipmunk brushes his teeth, the crow splashes in the bathtub, the opossum puts on his pajamas, the skunk family reads a story together, and the mouse is tucked into bed. A red fox in pantaloons and a smock has the role of lamplighter in the darkening town. A variety of picture sizes from spreads to vignettes, imaginative yet realistic figures, gentle humor, and familiar nighttime routines combine to make a charming bedtime experience.Patricia Pearl Dole, formerly at First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, VACopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star: A Traditional Lullaby FROM OUR EDITORS
There are plenty of versions of this classic rhyme, but Sylvia Long's watercolor depiction of this popular lullaby really hits the mark. Young animals gaze at the stars from the top of a hill. They retreat to their homes and into the arms of their parents. Skunk, Raven, and Mouse happily greet their family and get ready for bed. A dinner of fresh bugs awaits little Frog, and Raven gets his nightly bath. Skunk reads a story with his mom and dad, and Mouse is happily tucked in. The little ones lie abed, asleep and content.
Long follows the rhyme perfectly, using detailed illustrations for each couplet --from the gorgeous night sky to the brightly patterned pajamas of the young animals -- and captivates readers with her undeniable charm. This is a comforting read and a cozy companion for bedtime. Youngsters are sure to finish this book with heavy eyes, ready for sleep.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Cherished for nearly two centuries, the traditional lullaby "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" continues to send children off to dreamland. In this tenderly illustrated edition of the classic rhyme, award-winning artist Sylvia Long touches the hearts of reader yet again. Her detailed watercolors depict a group of animal friends as they make their way home under the night sky to complete their bedtime rituals with their families. The last verse finds each baby animal nested in bed. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star is the perfect bedtime story, sure to lull children to sleep.
Author Biography: Sylvia Long is the illustrator of many books for children, including the best-selling Deck the Hall, Sylvia Long's Mother Goose, Hush Little Baby and Ten Little Rabbits, all published by Chronicle Books. Ms. Long's detailed paintings are inspired by her love of animals and the outdoors. She lives in Arizona.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
Youngsters well know the opening lines of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Sylvia Long revisits the classic and includes the traditional verses "When the blazing sun is gone,/ When he nothing shines upon,/ Then you show/ your little light,/ Twinkle, twinkle,/ all the night" alongside celestial watercolor depictions of critters heading home at nightfall. A baby frog eats grubs for supper; a mouse is tucked under the covers. (Nov.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
School Library Journal
PreS-The traditional lullaby is told in its entirety, as the poetic images celebrate the star appearing when the sun sets, guiding the traveler in the dark, glowing throughout the night, and remaining always mysterious. The luminous watercolors show an unusual group of anthropomorphic animals gazing in awe from a hilltop at the first star of the evening and then separating to go home to their loving parents. The frogs have a fine dinner of worms and insects, the chipmunk brushes his teeth, the crow splashes in the bathtub, the opossum puts on his pajamas, the skunk family reads a story together, and the mouse is tucked into bed. A red fox in pantaloons and a smock has the role of lamplighter in the darkening town. A variety of picture sizes from spreads to vignettes, imaginative yet realistic figures, gentle humor, and familiar nighttime routines combine to make a charming bedtime experience.-Patricia Pearl Dole, formerly at First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, VA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
Illustrations of stargazing animals accompany this well-known lullaby. Sitting atop a hill, the band of animals watches as the sun sinks below the horizon. They slowly walk home to their houses, where they are greeted by their parents. As the lamplighter fox walks past each house, readers are given a glimpse of the nighttime rituals taking place inside. Little frog enjoys a dinner of bugs and worms perched in his high chair. Squirrel brushes his teeth before taking one last look at the night sky. Raven is given a very splashy bath and baby possum is dressed in cozy pajamas. Baby skunk is read a bedtime story and mouse is tucked into bed in pajamas covered with wedges of Swiss cheese. Each sleeps peacefully as the gently rhyming verses come to an end. The lamp lighting fox, perched on the hilltop, closes the book with the final line: "Twinkle, twinkle, little star." Beautiful, bright watercolor illustrations of the little animals will keep young readers interest as the gentle verses slowly lull them to sleep. Wonderfully soothing. (Picture book. 1-3)
Art & Photography
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