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Snuggled up in pajamas with her mommy, the little girl reaches her hands up against a backdrop of outer-space decorative curtains and a mobile featuring a crescent moon and brightly lit star. Then, she stretches down to the bedroom floor. Mother and child enjoy giggling as they wiggle their noses, fingers, and toes, and count each finger on their hands. Then it's time to give both Mommy and Daddy a big high-five. Next, Mommy checks under the bed for any pretend monsters, making a silly face to scare them off. After so much fun wiggling, it's time to rest. Eyes are closed, and sweet dreams enter the sleepy mind. It's time for a big hug. Covers pulled up close, Mommy reminds her "sweet thing" how much she loves her and that she'll see her in the morning's first light.
Stevens' delightfully adorable picture book is, in many ways, a perfect book to read with one's child at bedtime. Wiggling around, shaking out all the day's leftover energy, becomes a winding-down ritual shared between parent and child. This healthy bonding is not only fun but also prepares the body and mind for a good night's sleep. One could easily imagine, while reading this story, an adult and a young child echoing the very activities described on these pages—wiggling, counting fingers, reaching to the sky and then down to the floor, gently tickling noses, and playfully "scaring off" imaginary monsters. With bodies now relaxed and tension-free, the mind opens to sleepy-eyed dreams, all sealed with a loving hug. Further, the tones and hues of the accompanying illustrations evoke slumber's inviting presence and peaceful safety, featuring deep blues and indigos, accentuated by small, bright lights of planets, swirling stars, and squiggles on the child's bedroom décor, promoting sweet dreams, indeed.