Oh, Are You Awake?

“Tell me a story, Penguin,” says a large yellow lion to the little black-and-white bird perched upon its head. An aurora-like swirl of colors hangs over Penguin’s sleepy self, a clear indication that slumber is imminent, so the bird refuses: “Now is the time we close our eyes and dream sweet dreams. I will tell you a story when we are awake.” But each time Penguin drifts off into a wonderful dream—befriending a candy-making robot, riding a unicorn, conducting a puppy train—Lion yanks the bird back into the waking world. The feline plays drums, crunches on chips, and even jumps on a trampoline, all while insisting that it’s not intentionally trying to keep Penguin up (“I’m always quiet. I’m basically a mouse”). Jarvis (Together with You) riffs on impeccable comic beats from Shea (Chez Bob) using naif-style digital artwork whose elements feel handmade—Lion’s circular mane embodies crayon-like textures, while Penguin is rendered in what looks like feathered ink. It’s a funny, visually playful bedtime battle of wills in which both beings get the resolution of their dreams. Ages 3–5. (Apr.)