The Sea of Sleep

"Drifting. Floating. Lightly gliding/ On the Sea of Sleep tonight./ Rocking. Swaying. Slowly sailing/ On toward the morning light." The text of this lilting lullaby is so soothing that young readers may find themselves falling asleep before the book is finished. LaMarche's acrylic and colored pencil illustrations focus on a pair of captivating otters, a parent and child, who float on their backs, immersed in the sights and rhythm of the sea. The paintings skillfully capture the face of the moon as she rests her cheek on the water, as nighttime wraps the otters "in its loving arms" and "holds us safe and warm." Ages 3–8. (Sept.)