I Won't Go to Bed!

Harry doesn't want to go to bed, so his father says, ""Then don't,'' and goes to bed himself. Harry wanders around the house, playing with the remote control, singing songs to himself and listening to the sound of his father's breathing. He is startled by a mouse and a hooting owl and, after setting up dishes for a guestless party, eventually falls asleep on the floor, only to be retrieved by his dad in the wee hours. While Harry's father's insouciant attitude seems more callous than caring in the beginning, the tender ending compensates for his brusqueness. Baruffi's unusual perspectives and bold use of scale give the book a mood in keeping with its middle-of-the-night setting. Her use of color works well to sustain suspense through the night. A traditional theme with a non-traditional treatment. Ages 4-8. (October)