Read, Read, Read, said the Baby: Sleepyheads by Sandra J. Howatt, illustrated by Joyce Wan

This board book adaptation of a 2014 picture book hits all the right spots; no surprise since Joyce Wan is the queen of cuddly and cute.

Simple rhymes encourage the readers to find all the "sleepyheads"; cozy animals tucked up in holes, on the water, in caves and in trees. But where is the sleepyhead in the bed in the house? The book reiterates the previous couplets and then ends with the sleepyhead - a baby asleep in its mother's arms.

The text is simple enough to lull infants and toddlers into a sleepy mood or interest them in following along with the book. My personal interest is all in the sweet illustrations. I love Joyce Wan's gentle curves and soft colors, which give a feeling of fuzziness on the page. An adorable round bear, little blue bird, sleek otter, and cuddly baby are all sweetly pictured against the gentle, grainy grays of the night sky. There are details for older children and adults to coo over - the starry dandelions, delicate water lilies, and sparks of fireflies. However, the art is simple enough for younger babies to still be able to focus on the larger aspects and bold lines.

Verdict: We love Joyce Wan's board books at my library and Howatt's text meshes perfectly with her cozy art. Even if you've already purchased the picture book, I recommend adding the board book to your collection.

ISBN: 9781481461429; Published 2016 by Little Simon; Borrowed from another library in my consortium