When God Tucks in the Day

Little bunnies (like many children) don't like to go to bed, so in Allia Nolan's When God Tucks in the Day, they play and ask their parents if they can stay up hours longer. Before they know it, it's sunset and the bunnies and their mama watch cloud images in the sky.

"Yes, once, when God started
to tuck in the day
Father brought fireflies
to light our way.
'When the sun goes to sleep,'
he said, 'God wakes the moon.
And that means all bunnies
should be asleep soon."

But instead of going to bed, the bunnies play with fireflies as the stars twinkle overhead. Finally, the bunnies go home and Mama helps them thank God "for his wonderful nights and his wonderful days." Snugly tucked into bed and all alone under the stars, one bunny asks God, "Can you tuck me in, too?...And Dear Lord, please watch over me and me and my family."

Throughout, the illustrations are sweet and marked by a unique page format: Each page gets a little larger, so as you turn them, the right hand side helps tell the story, while the left hand side gradually transforms from a daytime scene to a night time scene.

What I Like: Allia Nolan's rhyme and meter are very good, which is refreshing. The story is sweet, and something most kids can relate to. The illustrations by Chi Chung fit the story perfectly, showcasing an adorable rabbit family young children are sure to like.

What I Dislike: Somehow, even though the verse is good, it does a poorer job of telling the story than ordinary prose would. Nevertheless, this is still a worthwhile book.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4 - 8, but I'd say toddler to kindergarten.

Publishing Info: Kregel, 2005; ISBN: 978-0825455247; board book, $12.99

Buy Now at Amazon.com for $11.04

Special Info: Check out our other reviews of books by this author.