Mother Goose's Pajama Party

DANNA SMITH is the author of the picture books Mother Goose's Pajama Party, The Hawk of the Castle, and Swalllow the Leader. Born in Salt Lake City, Danna is currently a full-time writer and dreamer living in Northern California with her husband, their two grown children, and their cocker spaniel, Peanut. Learn more about her books at dannasmithbooks.com.

VIRGINIA ALLYN works above a chocolate shop in New Hampshire. She is the illustrator of Mother Goose's Pajama Party, Night Night, Train, and Night Night, Farm. See more of her work online at virginiaallyn.com.

PreS-K—This is a clever picture book filled with fun references to traditional nursery rhymes. Mother Goose, master storyteller, is the hostess of this party. "They gathered in the reading nook/with Mother Goose's famous book./She read of those who sat beside her,/Dish and Spoon and Muffet's spider./She read of those who were not there,/like Simple Simon at the fair./She read of ships and seas they roam./She read until Peep's sheep came home." A big plus is the inclusion of the traditional characters' rhymes at the back of the book. The multicultural coed cast created with digital artwork gives the figures a modern look and feel. The bright, realistic, and colorful illustrations, which frequently span across a spread, capture the business and grandeur of the party itself. Children will be eager to attend this magical slumber party. VERDICT Nursery rhymes lovers will enjoy this witty adaptation.—Gwen Collier, Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, NY