LITTLE MONKEY SAYS GOOD NIGHT

When Papa Monkey tells Little Monkey it's time for bed, the irrepressible baby shakes his head: "First I need to say good night," he says. Running into the Big Top, he jumps ("BOING!") right onto the Ringmaster's hat. A series of clunks, bumps and crashes accompanies the rascal as he bids good night to all of the startled circus performers. Little Monkey simply won't stop until he climbs all the way up the high-wire platform and leaps ("SWOOSH!") into the trapeze artist's arms: "Good night, Mama," he says. First-time artist Walker presents the mischievous monkey's escapades via soft-edged, slapstick illustrations. Attractively muted colors subtly reign in the chaos, while varying perspectives highlight Little Monkey's small stature. Full-page art alternates with vignettes and spot art, and each spread gives a visual clue to his next destination. Large type set in curves indicates various sounds and movements, a design element that works best in the denouement. There Little Monkey does a fancy "FLIP! FLIP! FLIP!" from the trapeze into his father's arms ("Good night, Papa"), earning the crowd's applause. Paul (Hello Toes! Hello Feet!) winds down the boisterous text with Little Monkey being tucked into his bed ("Good night, Me"). As lively as Barnum and Bailey, Little Monkey's circus adventure is just plain fun. Ages 2-5. (Apr.)