After a busy afternoon of playing outside, a brown-skinned toddler and their parent make their way inside to ready for bed. Sensory reminders from all around encourage the transition to bedtime—the lulling sounds of the river, the wind sighing in the grass, the chimney smoke curling in the sky, and fizzing bubbles in the bath. Sweet and simple rhyming stanzas lace the journey to bed, always ending with the refrain to hold off sleep “until the twinkling stars arise.” Cozy watercolor illustrations depict the peaceful passage from play to rest, complete with kisses for stuffies, a purring cat, and a skyful of stars. (Ages birth–3)

★“A stunning marriage of text and art that will linger with listeners as they slip into sleep...This melodic lullaby is warm and tender perfection.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Parents and children will enjoy winding down and snuggling into this slow, tender journey to bedtime.

The world grows restful, but don’t sleep yet, wait until the grassy meadow is quiet and the forest creatures are hidden away. Until the farm animals are snug in the barn and the toys are tidied in their proper spots. Until the bath warms your toes and the blanket tucks you in tightly. Only when we finish our story and the stars are in the sky is it time to sleep.

Calming, lyrical rhythms, pleasing repetition and dreamy watercolors make When Stars Arise a gentle lullaby that reinforces the bedtime routine.