Shhhhh!: Goodnight, Me by Andrew Daddo

Goodnight, feet. Thank you for running me around today.

Thank you for holding my legs together, knees.

Legs, get some rest. We've got a lot of jumping to do tomorrow.

Andrew Daddo's sweet and soothing nighttime book, Goodnight, Me is a unique twist on the toddler bedtime story. In this one, instead of the parent soothing the wiggly child to sleep, the little one is the one who quiets his restless spirt, step by step, until his eyes are ready to close and he's ready for his mom's last kiss of the day.

In Emma Quay's absolutely adorable illustrations, we see a young orangutan studying his feet held in front of his nose, pulling up his shirt to tell his tummy, "I don't want to hear a rumble out of you!" and peering over his shoulder and admonishing his backside, "That's enough wriggling, bottom. It's time to be still!"

Finally the quieting process works its way up above his neck. "It's your turn, head! Close those ears! Bless you, nose. Can you smell the sleep?"

Eyes close and breathing slows, but the little sleeper is still aware that his mother is near, bending over for a final kiss for the night.

Goodnight, you. I know you're still there. I can feel you even though most of me is asleep.

This is a super sleepytime book for youngsters, with a quiet salute to moms (and dads) whose loving presence makes bedtime safe.